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Yard House’s Maui Pineapple Chicken is a beloved dish that brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple with savory, tender chicken. This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will transport you to an island getaway right from your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of Yard House or simply looking to recreate this restaurant favorite, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down how to make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
How to Make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
To make the perfect Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 6 oz each.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – Preferably fresh, but canned works well too.
- ½ cup soy sauce – For a savory, umami-rich base.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger – For that tropical kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
- 1 large pineapple, sliced into rings – Fresh pineapple works best for grilling.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped – Optional garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Steamed white rice – As a side dish (optional).
Instructions
Follow these Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken cooking instructions step by step for a delicious result.
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will be.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pineapple slices by cutting fresh pineapple into thick rings.
- Brush the pineapple rings lightly with olive oil and set aside for grilling later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (reserving the marinade for later use) and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook the chicken for another 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
- While the chicken is cooking, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred and caramelized.
5. Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter.
- Top each chicken breast with a grilled pineapple ring.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve with steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
To ensure that your pineapple chicken comes out just like Yard House’s Maui Pineapple Chicken, here are some expert cooking tips:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds more flavor and texture than canned pineapple. It also caramelizes better when grilled, giving the chicken that signature tropical taste.
- Marinating Time: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This will allow the pineapple juice and soy sauce to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Grilling vs. Skillet: While grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, cooking it in a skillet with the marinade is also a great option. If grilling, reserve the marinade and use it as a basting sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Pineapple contains enzymes that tenderize the chicken, so be careful not to overcook it, as it could become too soft. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What to Serve with Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken
This tropical dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, desserts, and drinks. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Sides:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice: A neutral base that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the pineapple chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy, grilled side dish.
- Coconut Rice: Add some tropical flair by pairing your chicken with coconut-flavored rice.
Desserts:
- Coconut Cake: A fluffy, light dessert that’s perfect after a savory dish.
- Pineapple Sorbet: A refreshing, palate-cleansing dessert that keeps with the tropical theme.
- Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet and satisfying dessert that incorporates another tropical fruit.
Drinks:
- Pineapple Mojito: A refreshing cocktail that ties in the pineapple flavors of the dish.
- Mai Tai: A classic tropical drink that pairs well with the fruity flavors of the chicken.
- Iced Green Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, iced green tea offers a refreshing, slightly bitter counterbalance to the sweet and savory dish.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Grilled fresh pineapple caramelizes better, adding more depth to the dish.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors even more.
Can I cook the chicken on a grill?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. Just be sure to reserve some of the marinade to baste the chicken as it grills.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinade to keep it moist.
Substitutes
If you need to make some adjustments, here are a few substitute options for this Pineapple Chicken Recipe:
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener substitute.
- Chicken: Try this recipe with boneless pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Fresh Pineapple: If you can’t find fresh pineapple, canned pineapple rings will work in a pinch, though the flavor may not be as robust.
Nutrition
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 950 mg
The dish is relatively healthy, thanks to the lean chicken and fresh pineapple, though be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching your intake. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or serve with a lighter side like a salad instead of rice.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken at home, a tropical and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following these simple instructions and tips, you’ll impress your friends and family with a meal that’s just as delicious as the one from Yard House. Whether it’s for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this pineapple chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients: 
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 6 oz each.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – Preferably fresh, but canned works well too.
- ½ cup soy sauce – For a savory, umami-rich base.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger – For that tropical kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
- 1 large pineapple, sliced into rings – Fresh pineapple works best for grilling.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped – Optional garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Steamed white rice – As a side dish (optional).
Instructions
Follow these Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken cooking instructions step by step for a delicious result.
Step 1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will be.
Step 2. Prepare the Pineapple:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pineapple slices by cutting fresh pineapple into thick rings.
- Brush the pineapple rings lightly with olive oil and set aside for grilling later.
Step 3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (reserving the marinade for later use) and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook the chicken for another 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4. Grill the Pineapple:
- While the chicken is cooking, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred and caramelized.
Step 5. Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter.
- Top each chicken breast with a grilled pineapple ring.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve with steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
To ensure that your pineapple chicken comes out just like Yard House’s Maui Pineapple Chicken, here are some expert cooking tips:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds more flavor and texture than canned pineapple. It also caramelizes better when grilled, giving the chicken that signature tropical taste.
- Marinating Time: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This will allow the pineapple juice and soy sauce to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Grilling vs. Skillet: While grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, cooking it in a skillet with the marinade is also a great option. If grilling, reserve the marinade and use it as a basting sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Pineapple contains enzymes that tenderize the chicken, so be careful not to overcook it, as it could become too soft. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
