Hawaiian Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Pineapple
Hawaiian Chicken Stuffed with Ham and Pineapple is a delightful and easy-to-make dish combining tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham, sweet pineapple chunks, and melted mozzarella cheese. This tropical-inspired recipe is quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying (with optional baking)
- Cuisine: American / Hawaiian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 thin slices of ham
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks (to secure chicken pockets)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling securely during cooking.
- Assemble the Filling: Layer thin slices of ham, pineapple chunks, and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly inside each chicken pocket, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.
- Secure and Season: Close the chicken pockets and use toothpicks to securely hold the stuffing inside. Season the outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese inside will melt, and the chicken will remain juicy and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks, slice carefully if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to create neat pockets in the chicken breasts without cutting through completely.
- Do not overstuff to ensure even cooking and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- For even thickness, pound chicken breasts before making pockets to avoid overcooked thin areas.
- You can bake the stuffed chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, stuffed chicken breast, ham and pineapple chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken recipe
