Why the Honolulu Chicken Is a Great Chicken Dish
One of the reasons I love Honolulu Chicken is its delightful blend of flavors that come together effortlessly. The sweetness from the peach preserves perfectly balances the savory notes of barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. I appreciate how the tender chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors while the water chestnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Whether I’m serving it to family or friends, Honolulu Chicken always impresses, making it a standout dish that I can’t help but crave time and again.
Ingredients of Honolulu Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that’s both simple and satisfying, Honolulu Chicken is a winner in my book. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that can be made with just a few pantry staples? Let’s take a look at what you need to get started on this peachy delight.
Ingredients for Honolulu Chicken:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) jar peach preserves
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can water chestnuts
Now, while this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, feel free to play around with the type of barbecue sauce you use—some people like it smoky, while others prefer a sweeter kick.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Oh, and if you don’t have water chestnuts on hand, don’t sweat it; you can skip them or substitute with something crunchy, like chopped nuts. After all, cooking should be fun, not stressful!
How to Make Honolulu Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this delightful Peachy Glazed Honolulu Chicken. First things first, you’re going to want to grab those 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you’re like me, you might’ve a tendency to procrastinate on prepping your ingredients, but trust me, it makes everything smoother.
So, go ahead and coat each chicken breast with 1/4 cup of flour, seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper. This is where the magic begins—the flour helps give the chicken a lovely, golden-brown crust when we get to the browning part.
Now, heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering (but hopefully not smoking—because that’s just a whole other drama), add those floured chicken breasts. You’ll want to brown them on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Just enough time to contemplate your life choices—like why you didn’t start this cooking adventure sooner.
After browning, drain any excess oil and set the chicken aside.
Next up, let’s whip up that delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine a 10-ounce jar of peach preserves, 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix it all together until it’s well blended and you can almost taste the sweetness already.
Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken in the skillet, cover it, and let it simmer on low for about 40 minutes. This is the part where you can kick back and relax—maybe scroll through your phone or daydream about your next meal.
Just remember to add the 6-ounce can of water chestnuts during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They add a fantastic crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Serve it all up with rice, and there you have it—your very own Peachy Glazed Honolulu Chicken, ready to impress!
Honolulu Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Honolulu Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate this dish.
For a twist, try using pineapple preserves instead of peach for a tropical flair. If you’re out of water chestnuts, chopped bell peppers add a nice crunch. You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
Feeling adventurous? Add some ginger or garlic to the sauce for depth. For a smoky flavor, experiment with chipotle barbecue sauce.
These simple changes can turn a classic recipe into something uniquely yours! Enjoy the creativity!
What to Serve with Honolulu Chicken
While enjoying your delicious Honolulu Chicken, you’ll want to complement its sweet and savory flavors with the perfect sides.
I love serving it over fluffy white rice, which absorbs all that tasty glaze. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add a vibrant touch and a bit of crunch. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing also pairs well, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider garlic bread or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. These options not only enhance the meal but also bring out the beautiful flavors of the chicken.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Honolulu Chicken turns out perfectly, I recommend preparing all your ingredients in advance. This not only saves time but also assures a smooth cooking process.
Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a more vibrant dish, try garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Enjoy!