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Homemade Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken - Perfectly made chicken on the kitchen table.
Antonio Morelli

Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken Recipe

A homemade copycat of the fan-favorite Hawaiian Bros Honolulu Chicken — juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a pineapple-soy blend, seared until caramelized, and finished with a glossy island-style glaze. Sweet, savory, and on the table in under 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian / American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
Chicken & Veg:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 red + 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet or large pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Digital meat thermometer
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Whisk all marinade ingredients. Reserve ½ cup separately for glaze.
  2. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred).
  3. Pat chicken dry. Rest at room temp 30 minutes before cooking.
  4. Sear in a hot oiled skillet, 4–5 min per side. Internal temp: 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Sauté bell peppers 3 minutes in the same pan.
  6. Reduce reserved marinade in a saucepan for 5 minutes into a glaze.
  7. Combine chicken, peppers, pineapple chunks, and glaze. Toss 2–3 minutes.
  8. Plate over steamed rice. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Always reserve marinade before the raw chicken goes in. Never reuse it.
  • Drying the chicken before searing is what gives you the caramelized crust, don't skip it.
  • For a spicy version, add 1 tsp sriracha to the marinade.
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water for best results.