High Protein Hawaiian Chicken Dinner for 2

Why You’ll Love High Protein Hawaiian Chicken Dinner for 2 Recipe

• Packed with protein and incredibly filling
• Combines multiple Hawaiian-inspired favorites in one meal
• Perfect for date nights or family dinners
• Easy to customize with your favorite sides
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy textures all in one plate
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Comfort food that feels homemade and fresh

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the macaroni salad:

• Elbow macaroni
• Japanese mayo
• American mayo
• Rice vinegar
• Mustard
• Milk
• Sugar
• Black pepper
• Dashi powder
• Celery
• Carrots
• Sweet corn
• Red onion
• Green onion
• Imitation crab meat

For the shoyu chicken:

• Boneless chicken thighs with skin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil
• Green onions
• Cooked rice

For the pineapple shoyu glaze:

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Water
• Cornstarch

For the chicken katsu:

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg
• Flour
• Cold water
• Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the macaroni salad. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Japanese mayo, American mayo, rice vinegar, mustard, milk, sugar, black pepper, and dashi powder.
3. Add celery, carrots, corn, red onion, green onion, and imitation crab meat to the dressing. Stir in the macaroni and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.
4. For the shoyu chicken, season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides.
6. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch if using.
7. Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer until the chicken becomes tender and coated in a glossy glaze.
8. For the chicken katsu, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season lightly.
9. Prepare a dredging station with flour, beaten egg mixed with cold water, and panko breadcrumbs.
10. Coat the chicken in flour, then egg mixture, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
11. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
12. Slice the katsu and serve alongside rice, macaroni salad, and glazed shoyu chicken.
13. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add grilled pineapple slices for extra sweetness.
• Swap macaroni salad for a fresh green salad.
• Make it spicy with chili flakes or .
• Use air-fried chicken katsu for a lighter version.
• Replace imitation crab with cooked shrimp or leave it out entirely.
• Serve with brown rice for additional fiber.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The macaroni salad should be kept chilled and stirred before serving again.

Reheat the shoyu chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

For the crispiest texture, reheat chicken katsu in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Freezing is best for the cooked chicken components, but not recommended for the macaroni salad.

FAQs

What is shoyu chicken?

Shoyu chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish made with chicken simmered in a savory soy sauce-based glaze.

Can I make this dinner ahead of time?

Yes, the macaroni salad and chicken can both be prepared ahead and reheated when ready to serve.

What makes this meal high in protein?

The meal includes both chicken thighs and chicken breast, making it rich in protein and very satisfying.

Can I bake the chicken katsu instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and cooked through.

Is Japanese mayo necessary?

Japanese mayo adds extra richness, but regular mayonnaise can also work.

What type of rice works best?

Short-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or brown rice also tastes great.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free panko, and gluten-free flour.

How do I keep chicken katsu crispy?

Let it rest on a wire rack after frying and avoid covering it immediately.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly for the glaze.

What sides go well with this meal?

Steamed vegetables, cucumber salad, or grilled pineapple pair wonderfully with this dinner.

Conclusion

This high-protein Hawaiian chicken dinner is the ultimate combination of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. From the sticky pineapple shoyu chicken to the crispy chicken katsu and creamy macaroni salad, every bite feels like a complete restaurant-style meal made right at home. Perfect for busy evenings or special dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.