Oh, the joy of cooking with tropical flavors! Whenever I whip up this delightful Polynesian chicken recipe, I’m instantly transported to a sunny beach, surrounded by swaying palm trees and the sound of ocean waves. Seriously, there’s just something about the combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce that feels like a mini vacation on your plate! This dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners when life gets hectic, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about it! Plus, it takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it a go-to recipe that’s both easy and delicious. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything we need for this tasty Polynesian chicken! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 2 pounds of bone-in, skinless chicken thighs – These are juicy and perfect for soaking up that delicious marinade!
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple juice – Trust me, using fresh juice makes a world of difference in flavor.
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce – This adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar – You can adjust this based on how sweet you like it!
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Garlic brings in that aromatic punch that’s just irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated – For that zesty kick that complements the other flavors.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced – This adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color.
• 1 onion, sliced – Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, adding more flavor to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch – This is for thickening the sauce later on.
• 2 tablespoons of water – Just enough to mix with the cornstarch to create a slurry.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re already one step closer to a mouthwatering meal!

How to Prepare Polynesian Chicken Recipes

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the cooking process! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way to make this a stress-free and delicious experience.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, let’s create that mouthwatering marinade! In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Now, it’s time to add the chicken thighs. Make sure they’re fully submerged in that flavorful mix. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinating it overnight really amps up the flavor!

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, heat a skillet over medium heat. Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade (but keep that goodness for later!) and place it in the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check if it’s done by cutting into one piece; there should be no pink inside. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables

Now that your chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The leftover flavors in the skillet will give those veggies an extra boost!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Next up, let’s thicken that delicious sauce! In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until it’s smooth—this is your slurry. Pour it into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Keep stirring as it cooks for a minute or two until the sauce thickens to a nice consistency. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps; we want it silky smooth!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the thickened sauce and veggies until everything is well coated. Oh, it looks so good already! Serve your Polynesian chicken hot over rice or noodles to soak up that amazing sauce. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share—I know you’ll want to!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Polynesian chicken turns out absolutely fabulous! Here are some pro tips to help you avoid any hiccups:

• Marinate Overnight: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows all those tropical flavors to really soak in, making your dish even more delicious!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple juice is a game-changer! It adds a vibrant sweetness that bottled juice just can’t match.
• Adjust Sweetness: Don’t hesitate to tweak the brown sugar according to your taste. A little more or less can make a big difference!
• Check Doneness: Always check your chicken for doneness, especially if you’re using different cuts. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it hot right off the skillet for that perfect flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

This Polynesian chicken recipe is not only delicious but also pretty balanced! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!

FAQ Section

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can definitely switch it up with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; breasts might cook a bit faster, so make sure to check for that perfect doneness!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Also, you can sauté the vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance. Just reheat everything together before serving for a quick and easy meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
• Tropical Flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce transports your taste buds straight to the islands.
• Versatile: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe fits right in!
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory taste appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will love it.
• Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet needed, you won’t be overwhelmed with dishes afterward—bonus!

Polynesian Chicken Recipes: 5 Steps to Tasty Delight!

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious Polynesian chicken recipe that brings tropical flavors to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

---

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken.
4. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side until it is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken and keep warm. Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet.
6. Sauté vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
7. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
8. Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
10. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use fresh pineapple juice for a better flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Polynesian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: polynesian chicken recipes, easy chicken recipes, tropical chicken dish