Savor the Tropics: Easy 30-Minute Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple

Craving a delicious dinner that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple is your new weeknight champion, cooking up in less than 30 minutes. Imagine tender, soy-sauce seasoned chicken, perfectly topped with savory ham, sweet pineapple, and a generous layer of melty cheese. It’s a flavor combination so irresistible, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular rotation.

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Embracing the Aloha Spirit: A Love for Hawaiian Flavors

There’s something inherently uplifting about Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. It evokes images of sun-drenched beaches, gentle breezes, and vibrant, fresh flavors. Our kitchen, much like many homes, holds a special place for dishes that bring a touch of the islands to our table. The delightful blend of sweet and savory, often with a tangy kick, makes these recipes truly unforgettable.

If you’re as enamored with the aloha spirit as we are, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our tropical treasures. Pair your Hawaiian Chicken with a refreshing Hawaiian Macaroni Salad for a complete meal that feels like a getaway. For another grilled masterpiece, our Huli Huli Chicken offers an authentic taste of Hawaii. And of course, no island-inspired feast is truly complete without a side of fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian Bread. These dishes complement each other perfectly, transforming an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary journey.

From Simple to Sensation: The Evolution of This Recipe

Every great recipe has a story, and this Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple is no exception. It began as a promising idea from our archives, a simple chicken and pineapple dish that, while good, truly lacked that “wow” factor. We knew it had potential, and I’ve been eager to give it the makeover it deserved. The original version was missing a certain depth of flavor, leaving the chicken a bit on the bland side.

After much experimentation, the key to unlocking its full potential was clear: the addition of rich soy sauce and savory ham. These two ingredients revolutionized the dish, infusing the chicken with an incredible umami boost and a delightful salty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pineapple. What was once just “okay” is now a vibrant, flavorful masterpiece that hits all the right notes: sweet from the juicy pineapple, savory from the perfectly cooked chicken, and salty from the ham and a savory soy glaze. It’s truly a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

For those who enjoy a slightly different profile, a good quality teriyaki sauce could also work beautifully as a substitute for plain soy sauce, adding another layer of sweetness and complexity. However, the simplicity of soy sauce truly allows the bold, tropical essence of this Hawaiian Chicken to shine through.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tropical Dinner

One of the beauties of this Hawaiian Chicken recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. You’ll likely have many of these staples in your pantry already, making this a perfect last-minute meal solution. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base of our dish. Using boneless and skinless ensures quick cooking and a healthier profile. We’ll be butterflying these for even faster results!
• All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour helps to achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and seals in moisture, ensuring tender, juicy results.
• Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and provide a necessary balance to the dish.
• Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil: A dynamic duo for searing! The butter adds richness and flavor, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning and ensures a higher smoke point for a perfect sear.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This is the secret weapon for deep, umami flavor. It provides the essential salty and savory notes that elevate the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. Opting for low-sodium allows you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Deli Sliced Ham: Adds a wonderfully savory and slightly salty element that complements the chicken and pineapple beautifully. It’s a quick and convenient way to introduce a classic Hawaiian pizza-like flavor.
• Pineapple Slices (Canned and Drained): The star of the show for its sweet and tangy tropical burst. Canned pineapple is incredibly convenient for weeknight dinners, but fresh can also be used. Draining well is key to avoid excess liquid.
• Provolone Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that creates a creamy, luxurious topping, pulling all the flavors together under a blanket of cheesy goodness. Its subtle flavor allows the chicken, ham, and pineapple to shine.

Mastering Your Hawaiian Chicken: Expert Tips for Success

Achieving a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes is entirely possible with a few smart techniques. Here are our top tips to ensure your Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple is nothing short of spectacular, perfectly cooked, and ready in record time:

• The Butterfly Secret: This is arguably the most crucial step for a speedy and evenly cooked chicken. To butterfly a chicken breast, place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice the breast horizontally through the middle, almost all the way to the other side, but leave about half an inch connected. Open it up like a book. This creates a thinner, larger piece of chicken that cooks much faster and more uniformly, preventing dry spots. For this recipe, you’ll then cut these butterflied pieces in half again to yield four thinner, more manageable portions.
• Mise en Place is Your Friend: “Mise en place” is a French culinary term meaning “everything in its place.” For a rapid recipe like this, it’s essential. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking: chicken butterflied and floured, ham slices separated, pineapple drained, and cheese ready to go. This ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking process, as the chicken cooks very quickly once it hits the pan.
• Perfect Sear, Tender Chicken: Ensure your skillet is adequately heated with the butter and olive oil before adding the floured chicken. A medium heat is ideal – hot enough to create a beautiful golden-brown crust but not so hot that it burns the flour. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Using an instant-read thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) will guarantee perfectly juicy chicken, as it will continue to cook slightly when resting.
• The Soy Sauce Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, quickly add the soy sauce to the hot pan and flip the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly. This brief moment allows the chicken to absorb all that delicious umami flavor, creating a wonderful glaze that clings to each piece.
• Melting Magic: After adding the ham, pineapple, and cheese, immediately cover the skillet with a lid and turn off the heat. The residual heat from the pan and chicken will gently melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping without overcooking the chicken or the other ingredients. This creates that irresistible, cheesy finish that everyone loves.

Creative Twists & Delicious Substitutions

While this Hawaiian Chicken recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly versatile! Don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and additions to tailor it to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary exploration:

• Cheese Swaps: Provolone is a classic choice for its smooth melting and mild flavor, but many other cheeses work wonderfully. Try Swiss for a nuttier, more distinct taste, or opt for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for super gooey results. Even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can add a nice tang.
• Pineapple Perfection: Canned pineapple slices are a convenient pantry staple, but fresh pineapple will elevate the flavor even further. If using fresh, simply slice it into rings or chunks that fit neatly on your chicken. Grilled fresh pineapple can also add a smoky dimension.
• Ham Alternatives: Deli-sliced ham is quick and easy, but if you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner, by all means, use it! Diced leftover ham adds fantastic flavor and texture. For an extra layer of savory crunch, crumbled bacon could be a delicious addition, or even thinly sliced Canadian bacon for a leaner option.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the flour mixture or over the chicken before adding the cheese. A dash of sriracha in the soy sauce can also provide a subtle kick.
• Vegetable Additions: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté thin slices of bell pepper or onions in the pan before adding the chicken, or steam some broccoli or snap peas to serve alongside.
• Sauce Variations: As mentioned, teriyaki sauce is a fantastic alternative to plain soy sauce for a richer, sweeter glaze. You could also experiment with a pineapple-ginger marinade for the chicken before cooking for even deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Chicken

To help you get the most out of this incredible Hawaiian Chicken recipe, here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy easily. The cooking time might increase slightly, so always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may not need to butterfly them, depending on their thickness.
• What are the best side dishes to serve with this Hawaiian Chicken? This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed white rice or fluffy coconut rice is a classic choice to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or our Hawaiian Macaroni Salad would complement the flavors perfectly.
• Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance? To save even more time, you can butterfly and flour the chicken breasts a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. You can also drain the pineapple and have the ham and cheese ready. The actual cooking process is so quick, it’s best done right before serving.
• How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat leftover Hawaiian Chicken? For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, though the chicken might lose some crispness.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? While the chicken itself can be frozen after cooking, the pineapple and cheese might change texture upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, we recommend freezing the cooked chicken (without the pineapple and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Then, add fresh pineapple and cheese when reheating.

More Weeknight Chicken Recipes to Love

If you’re always on the hunt for quick, easy, and delicious chicken dinners, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got a treasure trove of recipes designed to make your weeknights simpler and tastier. Don’t miss these other fan favorites:

• Easy Lime Baked Chicken Thighs: Zesty, tender, and effortlessly delicious.
• Pressure Cooker Cashew Chicken: A speedy takeout favorite made at home.
• Chicken Pot Pie Ragu: Comfort food reimagined in a hearty, flavorful sauce.
• Lemon Chicken Pasta: Bright, fresh, and perfectly satisfying.
• California Club Chicken Wrap: A light yet filling meal, perfect for any time.

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Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple

5 from 1 vote

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

12 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

22 minutes
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
American

Print
Pin

Dinner in a hurry – this Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple cooks up in less than 30 minutes. Soy sauce seasoned chicken is topped with ham, pineapple, and melty cheese for a dinner you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients

• 2
  8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3
  tablespoons
  all-purpose flour
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  salt
• 1/8
  teaspoon
  pepper
• 2
  tablespoons
  unsalted butter
• 1
  tablespoon
  extra virgin olive oil
• 4
  tablespoons
  low-sodium soy sauce
• 6
  oz
  deli sliced ham
• 1
  8 oz can pineapple slices, drained
• 4
  slices
  (3 oz) Provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully butterfly each chicken breast open by slicing it horizontally through the middle, stopping just before you cut all the way through. Open it flat like a book, then cut each butterflied breast in half to create four thinner pieces of chicken. This ensures even and quick cooking.
2. Season and Coat: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of butterflied chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron pan works perfectly) over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil shimmers. Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot skillet. Cook until beautifully browned, about 5 minutes per side. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF (71°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
4. Glaze and Top: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the soy sauce into the pan. Flip the chicken pieces to coat them evenly in the savory sauce. Immediately divide the deli ham among the chicken pieces, then top each with a pineapple ring, and finally, a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese and Serve: Turn off the heat. Place a lid on the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the residual heat to perfectly melt the cheese until it’s gooey and bubbling. Serve your Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Always consult a certified nutritionist for precise information.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1
/4 of recipe

,

Calories:
367
kcal
(18%)

,

Carbohydrates:
14
g
(5%)

,

Protein:
36
g
(72%)

,

Fat:
19
g
(29%)

,

Saturated Fat:
8
g
(50%)

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g

,

Trans Fat:
0
g

,

Cholesterol:
107
mg
(36%)

,

Sodium:
1854
mg
(81%)

,

Fiber:
1
g
(4%)

,

Sugar:
8
g
(9%)

Keywords:
hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, quick dinner, chicken dinner