There are some chicken dinners that can turn an ordinary weeknight into something a little more special without a lot of extra work. This Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Chicken Hawaii is one of those easy recipes. This recipe has tender chicken breasts topped with sweet pineapple, salty ham and melted cheese, before going in the oven. The result is a delicious combo of sweet and salty in every bite!
I love recipes like this when dinner needs to be simple but you want something different than the usual baked chicken. No fancy marinade, no homemade sauce and no long list of spices to measure. This is a fantastic choice for busy families because it’s all made in one baking dish with just four simple ingredients.
The pineapple adds a bright sweetness that balances the savory ham, while the melted cheese brings everything together with a creamy, satisfying finish. While it bakes, the flavors meld and the cheese melts over the top of this comforting dinner that looks as inviting as it tastes.
This recipe is especially good served with white rice as you can spoon the sweet pineapple juices and savory pan sauce over the rice. It can be served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans or a simple garden salad. Serve it with a few warm dinner rolls on the side to make it a full family meal.
Why Chicken Hawaii Does the Trick
- The magic lies in the sweet and savory.
- Pineapple adds a little natural sweetness and a little acidity. The barbecue sauce adds a smoky tangy flavor and the mozzarella adds a creamy topper to balance it all.
- No fancy sauce or complicated seasoning blend required.
- Four ingredients carry the heavy lifting.
- The oven also gives the chicken enough time to soak up some of that barbecue and pineapple flavor as the cheese melts on top.
What You Need
- 4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 4 canned pineapple rings, drained
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. If the chicken breasts are very thick, lightly pound to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.
- Place a slice of ham on top of each chicken breast. Place a pineapple ring on top of each ham and top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes. Take the foil off and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let stand the chicken about 5 minutes, out of the oven, before serving. Spoon the flavorful juices from the baking dish over the chicken and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Substitute Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They hold their juiciness during baking and work especially well with the sweet pineapple and savory ham.
Try Another Cheese: The recipe has a classic flavor from the Swiss cheese, but you can substitute mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack. Choose a good melting cheese for the best topping.
Drain the Pineapple Well: Too much pineapple juice can make the baking dish watery. Drain the pineapple rings well and place on the chicken.
Use Pineapple Chunks If You Don’t Have Pineapple Rings Drain pineapple chunks and scatter them over the chicken instead. This also makes it easier to serve out smaller servings.
Don’t Overbake the Chicken – Chicken breasts can dry out if you leave them too long in the oven. Toward the end of the cooking time, begin checking them and use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature.
Get a Golden Finish: In the last part of baking, take off the foil so the cheese can melt and get a little brown. Cheese can brown quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Serve With Rice: This chicken pairs easily with steamed white rice. This mix of rice, pineapple, ham and melted cheese makes for a satisfying family dinner with little extra preparation.
Add Vegetables – To balance out the sweetness of the pineapple, you can add green beans, broccoli, roasted carrots or a simple salad to make the meal feel more complete.
Make Ahead: The chicken, ham, pineapple and cheese can be assembled earlier in the day, cover the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you take the dish straight from the refrigerator to the oven, add a little extra baking time.
Use Leftovers: Cut leftover chicken into strips and serve over rice or a salad. The sweet and savory flavors also make the leftovers great for a quick lunch the next day.
This Oven Baked 4 Ingredient Chicken Hawaii is an easy way to turn plain chicken into a tasty family meal. And, you don’t need a complicated recipe to enjoy the tender chicken, savory ham, sweet pineapple and melted cheese in every serving for a delicious balance of flavors.
Whether you are looking for an easy baked chicken dinner, an easy Hawaiian chicken recipe or a family friendly meal that uses only a few ingredients, this is an easy recipe to keep in your rotation. Serve it with rice and vegetables and you have a comforting homemade dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for a weekend meal.