Hawaiian Chicken Sesame

Transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Hawaiian Chicken Sesame recipe, a perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a vibrant sauce made with pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of rice vinegar. Infused with the bold aromas of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, this dish is finished with a glossy, thickened glaze and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for the perfect crunch. Serve it over a bed of warm white or brown rice to soak up every drop of the tangy-sweet sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this tropical-inspired dish is an easy, family-friendly meal that will elevate your weeknight dinners. Whether you’re craving an Asian-inspired twist or a Hawaiian getaway on your plate, this flavorful recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 0.5 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced
• 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let cook for 15 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.

Step 7

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken before serving.

Step 8

Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Sesame over cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2070.2 grams (2070.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3211

Total Fat 114.30g	147%
Saturated Fat 26.40g	132%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.70g
Cholesterol 851mg	284%
Sodium 4483mg	195%
Total Carbohydrate 329.20g	120%
Dietary Fiber 10.50g	38%
Total Sugars 76.00g
Protein 210.40g	421%

Vitamin D 48IU	238%
Calcium 436mg	34%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 2521mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 41.3%