Amazing Hawaiian Chicken Chili

A unique and tropical twist on chili featuring ground chicken, white beans, and juicy pineapple chunks in a mild chili base. The pineapple provides unexpected bursts of sweetness that complement the savory spices and bell peppers. This colorful and creative meal is a hit with families and anyone looking for a "vacation in a bowl."

Prep 15 minCook 120 minTotal 135 minUpdated Jul 3, 2026135 minHigh ProteinGluten Free

A unique and tropical twist on chili featuring ground chicken, white beans, and juicy pineapple chunks in a mild chili base. The pineapple provides unexpected bursts of sweetness that complement the savory spices and bell peppers. This colorful and creative meal is a hit with families and anyone looking for a "vacation in a bowl."

Ingredients

  • 0.17 oz Chicken Breast Half, skinless boneless
  • 2 tbsp Barbeque Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Butter, divided
  • 12.5 oz Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper, roasted chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ancho Chile Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin, ground
  • 1/4 tsp Ginger, ground
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tbsp White Sugar
  • 1 medium Pineapple Chunk
  • 1/4 cup Kidney Bean, drained
  • 1/4 cup Black Bean, drained
  • 1 medium Tomato, chopped drained
  • 1/4 cup Chipotle Salsa
  • 1/4 tsp Salt Pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts and barbecue sauce in a gallon-sized zip top bag and allow to marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet placed over high heat, and add the chicken. Cook the chicken until it is browned and almost cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet, chop into 1 inch pieces, and place in the crock of a slow cooker.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onion, garlic, and roasted red pepper, and cook and stir until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, ground ginger, vanilla, and sugar. Cook, stirring, until blended, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Drain the canned pineapple and reserve the fruit. Stir the pineapple juice, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, and chipotle salsa into the ingredients in the slow cooker and set the heat to High. Allow the chili to cook on High until it begins to bubble, about 20 minutes. Turn the slow cooker to Low and cook for 1 additional hour.
  5. Stir the reserved pineapple into the chili and continue to cook until the pineapple is warm, about 15 minutes. Salt and pepper the chili to taste and serve piping hot.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storage

Store safely

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a few days when appropriate for the ingredients.

Meal prep

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