Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Yard House is known all over the country for big flavors, and one dish people talk about a lot is their Maui Pineapple Chicken.

I never thought the combination of tender chicken and pineapple juice could turn into such a great meal until I tried the Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe at Yard House. The sweet glaze, the warm sauce, and the bright tropical taste pulled me in right away.

I sat at my table, took one bite, and felt curious about how this simple mix of chicken and pineapple could taste so good. The sweet and savory glaze felt smooth, and the hint of pineapple brought a warm island vibe to every bite.

No wonder so many people want this dish at home. It feels calm, bright, and easy to enjoy on any day.

This copycat Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe brings that same flavor to your table. You get tender chicken, a glossy sweetness from the sauce, and that mellow pineapple taste that makes the whole dish come together.

This version keeps things simple, and the results stay close to the original flavor.

What Does Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Taste Like

The flavor feels warm, sweet, and smooth all at once. You get tender chicken covered in a light glaze that brings a mellow mix of pineapple juice and soy.

The veggies add a soft crunch, and the sauce sticks gently to every bite. When you eat it, the sweetness comes through first, then a gentle savory note follows.

It feels simple, bright, and balanced, and the taste stays pleasant from the first bite to the last.

Best Chicken Cuts to Use for Tender Juicy Pineapple Chicken

1. Best Chicken Cuts: Chicken breasts work well because they are lean and easy to find. Chicken thighs are another great choice. Thighs have more fat than breasts, which helps keep the meat moist and tender even after cooking.

2. Proper Trimming and Portioning: Trim any extra fat or skin from the chicken. Cut the meat into chunks about the same size so they cook evenly. Bite-size pieces work best because they coat well in the sauce.

3. Marinating vs. Not Marinating: This recipe doesn’t need a long marinating time. The cornstarch coating and quick cooking keep the chicken tender. You can marinate in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes for extra flavor, but it’s optional.

Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Ingredients

Chicken & Coating:

• Chicken Breasts (3 pieces, chopped into bite-size chunks): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces. Chicken thighs work too and add more moisture.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This coats the chicken and creates a light crust while also helping to thicken the sauce. Potato starch can be used as a substitute.
• Salt and Pepper (pinch of each): Basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s flavor. Sea salt or table salt both work, and black pepper adds mild heat.
• Oil (3 tablespoons): Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil is best for high-heat cooking and browning. Avoid olive oil because it smokes at high temperatures.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Canned Pineapple Chunks With Juice (435g / 15 oz can): Pineapple chunks add sweetness and texture, while the juice becomes part of the sauce. Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned is easier. Do not drain.
• Soft Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works; white sugar can substitute but will taste less rich.
• Dark Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Thick, slightly sweet soy sauce that gives the dish deep color. Regular soy sauce can be used with a pinch more sugar.
• Tomato Purée / Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds thickness and tangy depth to balance the sweetness. Ketchup can substitute in smaller amounts.

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• Onion (1, chopped into wedges): Yellow or white onions work. Thick wedges hold their shape and turn soft and sweet as they cook.
• Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped into chunks): Adds sweetness and bright color. Green or yellow peppers can be used instead. Large chunks stay crisp.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds warm, sharp flavor. Mince finely to blend into the sauce. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.
• Minced Ginger (1 teaspoon): Fresh ginger provides a warm, spicy kick. Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger if substituting, as it is stronger.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large Wok or Deep Pan – for stir-frying
2. Cutting Board – safe, steady prep area
3. Sharp Knife – clean cuts
4. Mixing Bowl – coat chicken evenly
5. Spatula – stir and turn food
6. Measuring Spoons – correct amounts
7. Can Opener – for pineapple
8. Small Bowl – sauce mixing

How to Make Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken at Home

Step 1 | Prep the Chicken

Place the cut chicken pieces into a bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch, salt, and pepper on top. Mix the chicken well with your hands or a spoon. Make sure each piece has a thin coating. This light layer helps the chicken get a soft crust later.

Step 2 | Heat the Oil

Place a large wok or deep pan on medium-high heat. Add the oil. Let it heat until it moves smoothly in the pan. This means the oil is ready for the chicken.

Step 3 | Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken to the hot pan. Spread the pieces out so they cook evenly. Stir often, turning the chicken so it browns on all sides.

This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy inside. Keep cooking until the outside is golden.

Step 4 | Mix the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, pour the pineapple juice from the can into a small bowl. Add brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and tomato paste.

Stir the mixture until the sugar blends and the paste smooths into the liquid. The sauce should look dark and glossy.

Step 5 | Add Vegetables

Once the chicken looks browned, add the onion wedges and red bell pepper chunks. Stir them around the pan. Let them cook until they soften a bit but still keep some crunch.

Step 6 | Add Pineapple, Garlic, and Ginger

Add the pineapple chunks from the can. Stir them gently with the chicken and veggies. Add the minced garlic and ginger.

These bring warm flavor to the dish. Stir for one full minute.

Step 7 | Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce you mixed earlier into the pan. Stir to cover everything in the sauce. The sauce will start to bubble.

Let it simmer and thicken for about five to six minutes. Keep stirring now and then so nothing sticks.

Step 8 | Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat when the sauce looks thick and shiny. The chicken should be coated well. Serve the dish over warm rice or with noodles. The sauce blends well into the rice and adds a flavorful touch to each spoonful.

Expert Tips and Chef Tricks

• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming, which prevents proper browning.
• Reserve Some Pineapple Juice: Keep a little extra juice to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Add more soy sauce or sugar based on your preference for saltiness or sweetness.
• Let Chicken Rest Before Cutting: Resting keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender.
• Add Cornstarch Slurry for Thicker Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce if you want extra thickness.
• Toast Sesame Seeds for Garnish: Adds nutty flavor and a crunchy texture when sprinkled on top before serving.

What to Serve With Maui Pineapple Chicken

This chicken pairs well with many sides. I love serving it over a big bowl of warm white rice. The sauce soaks into the rice and adds flavor to every bite.

You can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different taste. Fried rice works great too. The crispy bits mix with the sweet glaze.

Noodles are another good choice. Try lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti. The sauce clings to the noodles and makes them tasty.

Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add color and crunch. A simple green salad with a light dressing balances the sweetness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. To Refrigerate Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.

2. To Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave. Add a splash of water if sauce thickened.

3. For Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe FAQs

1. Can pineapple make chicken mushy?

Yes, fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can break down chicken protein. Use canned pineapple juice or cook briefly to avoid mushy meat.

2. Can I reduce sugar in the sauce?

Yes, reduce brown sugar slightly to taste. Pineapple juice provides natural sweetness.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F inside. Use a meat thermometer or check that it’s firm and no longer pink. In this recipe, the chicken browns first, then simmers in the sauce to finish cooking.

4. How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces and stick to the spoon. It should not be watery or runny. If the sauce seems thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Cornstarch from the chicken also helps it thicken, so coating the chicken lightly is important.

5. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add some heat with a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the garlic and ginger.

Try this Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken Recipe to recreate its unique flavors at home. Use the ingredients and tips to get tender, juicy chicken with a delicious glaze.

Experiment with small changes to find your perfect balance. Share how it turns out!