Taste the Flavor of the Tropics with Polynesian Chicken
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party and want to impress your guests with a dish that is both delicious and easy to make. Enter Polynesian chicken, the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire. Not only does it require just four simple ingredients, but it’s also gluten-free and can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences.
Polynesian chicken is a Hawaiian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken that will have your guests coming back for more. This slow cooker recipe allows you to prep it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together as it cooks.
In this article, I will guide you through every step of making Polynesian chicken, from the necessary ingredients to substitutions and variations. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in creating this beloved Hawaiian dish in your own kitchen. So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking to amp up your chicken recipe game? Then boy, do I have a treat for you! Introducing the Polynesian Chicken recipe – a delicious, easy-to-make dish that boasts the flavors of sweet pineapples, savory soy sauce, and tangy orange marmalade.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a newbie in the kitchen – this 4-ingredient recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to create a restaurant-worthy meal in just minutes. The key ingredients of chicken breasts, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice all come together to create the dreamiest Polynesian Chicken that you have ever tasted!
One reason why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite is because it’s incredibly versatile. You can cook it low and slow in a slow cooker hawaiian or bake it in an oven. You can also grill it up on your barbecue or even pan-fry it. Plus, with so many different substitutions and variations available (we’ll get into that later), you can truly make this dish your own!
Lastly, there’s no denying that this Polynesian Chicken recipe is not only tasty but also budget-friendly. With only four simple ingredients needed for the base recipe, you won’t be breaking the bank anytime soon. Believe me when I say that once you’ve made this recipe once, you’ll want to make it for dinner every night of the week.
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you – this Polynesian Chicken recipe is going to be a crowd-pleaser with its delicious taste and easy preparation. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy a mouth-watering meal!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this amazing Polynesian Chicken recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup sweet hawaiian or regular soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
Other Optional Ingredients:
- Thousand Island Dressing (if serving as a dip)
- Red bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks (if adding vegetables)
These 4 ingredients are the basic building blocks for the recipe, but feel free to add other ingredients to taste. For example, some people might want to add more or less sugar depending on their preferences. Also, if you are cooking for a larger group of people or if you want leftovers, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into the recipe itself! Here’s how to make Polynesian Chicken from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 2/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 can (14 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar and pineapple juice in the slow cooker. Stir in chicken and red bell pepper to fully coat with the mixture. Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours.
- After the chicken has been cooking for 3 hours, add in pineapple chunks. Gently mix the chunks with the rest of the ingredient.
- Once the cooking time is up, use a pair of tongs or forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and/or chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your Polynesian Chicken dish! This easy chicken recipe can be made in bulk as it stores well for later consumption, with reheat instructions listed down below.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily switch up the protein source in this recipe by using bone-in or boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. If you opt for chicken thighs, be sure to remove the skin before cooking.
For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace it with coconut aminos.
To add more flavor and texture, add in some vegetables such as red bell peppers or onions. Simply cut them into bite-sized chunks and mix them in with the chicken before cooking.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different marinades such as pineapple chicken marinade or huli chicken marinade. Alternatively, you could season the chicken with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.
If you’re short on time, try making this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
For a fun party dish, consider serving this Polynesian Chicken alongside other Hawaiian-inspired dishes like baked sweet potatoes or coconut rice. And if you’re looking for more recipes to impress your guests, check out some other popular Hawaiian dishes like grilled chicken breast or sour chicken.
Serving and Pairing
Picture this: the savory aroma of Polynesian Chicken wafts from your kitchen, akin to a tropical dream. It’s tempting your senses, reminding you of balmy ocean breezes and carefree island life. It’s time to serve up this warming dish, perfect for any laid-back occasion. Here are some ideas on how to plate and pair it for maximum enjoyment, as follows.
When serving Polynesian Chicken as a main course or a side dish, my go-to is jasmine rice. Its subtle fragrance complements the tangy flavors of the pineapple, the orange marmalade and soy sauce beautifully. You may also try quinoa or brown rice as an alternative option.
For color and texture, I enjoy pairing the dish with roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers or zucchini – veggies that would complement its tropical taste perfectly. Grilled pineapple slices would also make for a lovely accompaniment.
If you’re into salads, let me recommend something light and fresh like an arugula salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette – think balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard paired with some chopped walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch.
For drinks to go along with the meal, Hawaiian-inspired cocktails make for great pairings – think Mai Tais or Piña Coladas. You may also enjoy with an ice-cold beer or some white wine: try reaching for a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, freshly squeezed pineapple juice would do the trick.
In conclusion, Polynesian Chicken deserves to be punctuated by sides and beverages that pick-up (and enhance!) its already fabulous flavors. So experiment freely and enjoy every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe for Polynesian chicken is perfect for make-ahead meals, storing leftovers, and reheating. You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to serve it.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat the chicken, you can either use the microwave or oven. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness after each minute. If using the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish, add a bit of water or broth to keep it moist, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
If you want to freeze this dish, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw the chicken, simply transfer it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat as described above.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating leftovers, there might be some extra liquid that has accumulated. Simply drain off any excess liquid and reheat according to your preferred method.
This make-ahead, storing and reheating guide should help you enjoy this delicious Polynesian chicken recipe without worrying about time constraints or wasted food. Just remember to keep your leftovers properly stored and avoid keeping them at room temperature for too long as they may spoil quickly.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a scribe for a home chef that loves throwing parties, I’ve learned some tips to help make this Polynesian Chicken recipe a success. Here are some tips to get the perfect results for your Polynesian Chicken:
1. Marinate the chicken
One of the secrets to getting flavorful and juicy chicken is marinating. Letting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak in the marinade for at least an hour before cooking will give it enough time to absorb all the delicious flavors.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken
Overcooking chicken can result in dry, tough meat instead of tender and moist chicken. To avoid this, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Adjust seasonings to taste
This recipe uses soy sauce, brown sugar, orange marmalade, and pineapple juice as flavoring. However, feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient according to your personal preference.
4. Pineapple is Key
Pineapple is an essential ingredient for any Polynesian dish like this one. If fresh pineapple isn’t available where you live or is out of season, you can use canned crushed pineapple or even canned pineapple chunks.
5. Pair with delicious sides
Polynesian Chicken goes well with many side dishes, such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or even coleslaw.
6. Serve with Thousand Island Dressing or Sweet Hawaiian Crokpot Sauce
Thousand Island dressing or sweet Hawaiian crockpot sauce makes great dipping sauces for Polynesian Chicken. They complement the flavors of the dish and add an extra layer of taste.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly cooked and flavored Polynesian Chicken that will impress your guests!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to spice up your dinner menu, Polynesian Chicken is the way to go. With only 4 simple ingredients, this dish is both affordable and delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking with substitutions and variations. Whether you’re hosting a party or just cooking for your family, this recipe is sure to impress.
So gather up your boneless chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice – it’s time to cook up some Polynesian Chicken! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly yours. Your taste buds (and your guests!) will thank you.
Polynesian Chicken (4 Ingredients) Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs or 3 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup thousand island dressing (I recommend $notetemplate1$)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons onion soup mix (I recommend $notetemplate1$)
Instructions
- Arrange chicken thighs in greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Combine remaining 3 ingredients in small bowl. Pour over chicken. Bake, covered, in 350ºF (175ºC) oven for about 1 1/2 hours, turning chicken halfway through cooking time, until no longer pink inside. Remove cover for last 15 minutes to thicken sauce if desired.
- **For OAMC: place all ingredients into a large ziploc bag. Label and Freeze. TO serve: Defrost overnight, dump ingredients into baking pan and cook until done, about 1 1/2 hours.**.
- I think this would also work in a crockpot as well.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!