One of the best things about visiting Hawaii is that there is Asian food to please everyone. Hawaiians seem to favor dark meat when cooking with chicken, so if you prefer white chicken, you will have to make your own at home. I know, I know – people always comment that dark meat “has more flavor,” or “is juicier.” White meat aficionados will agree, however, that the “more flavor” and “Juicier” means it is fatty and has a stronger taste that many of us don’t like. So, when I want Hawaiian chicken dishes, like the following Instant Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken I make them at home with boneless skinless chicken breasts.

This Hawaiian chicken dish is quick and easy since it’s made in the Instant Pot. The sauce is really good over rice, and there is plenty. Incidentally, if you must use thighs, add 2 or 3 minutes to the cooking time.

8 Servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of any fat and veins, and cut into 8 serving-size pieces

1 8 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained; reserve 1/4 cup juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

3 green onions, sliced

1. Heat the vegetable oil in the Instant pot on the sauté setting.
2. Quickly brown the chicken pieces on both sides.
3. Set the pineapple chunks aside, and mix the pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth well; pour over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
4. Cover the pot, set the valve to sealing, and set to manual for 15 minutes.
5. When the cycle is finished, do a quick release.
6. Place the chicken pieces on a serving plate; keep warm.
7. Turn the pot to the sauté setting and bring the sauce to a boil.
8. Mix the cornstarch and water; whisk into the sauce and cook until thickened.
9. Stir in the pineapple and pour over the chicken.
10. Sprinkle with the green onions and serve with rice.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 256 Calories from Fat 80
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 31% Protein 44% Carb. 25%

Nutrient Amount per % Daily
Serving Value
Total Fat 9 g 14%
Saturated Fat 2 g 11%
Cholesterol 76 mg 25%
Sodium 716 mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 16 g 5%
Dietary Fiber 0 g 1%
Sugars 6 g
Protein 28 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 5% Calcium 0% Iron 8%