Polynesian Chicken: 10 Irresistible Flavors to Savor

Name: Polynesian Chicken: 10 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Polynesian
Ingredients: 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast; salt (to taste); 1/8 tsp white pepper; 1/8 tsp onion powder; 1/8 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp paprika; 1/8 tsp turmeric; 1/2 cup cold club soda or beer; 4 cups canola oil; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1/2 cup button or cremini mushrooms; 1/4 cup bamboo shoots; 1/2 cup red bell pepper; 2 tsp Shaoxing wine; 4 cups napa cabbage; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 1/4 tsp additional salt; 1/4 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp oyster sauce; freshly ground white pepper (to taste); 1 cup snow peas; 3/4 cup hot chicken stock or water; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

by Fatima Garcia

•

28 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

Polynesian Chicken features crispy fried chicken on a bed of stir-fried vegetables, delivering a delightful flavor fusion. This Hawaiian chicken dish has rapidly become a favorite in my household, thanks to its perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. The vibrant colors of the vegetables combined with the juicy chicken create an irresistible meal that brightens any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing for a luau party or simply looking for a family-friendly Polynesian chicken meal, this recipe will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Polynesian Chicken

This Polynesian Chicken recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it is also versatile and easy to prepare. Here are six reasons to love it:

Delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors
Perfect for a Hawaiian chicken dish or luau party
Quick prep and cook time make it a weeknight hero
Can be adapted with various marinades, including tropical chicken marinade
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Offers a family-friendly dish that kids will love

With its vibrant ingredients and ease of preparation, Polynesian Chicken is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients for Polynesian Chicken

Gather these items:

8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
salt (to taste)
1/8 tsp white pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup cold club soda or beer
4 cups canola oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup button or cremini mushrooms
1/4 cup bamboo shoots
1/2 cup red bell pepper
2 tsp Shaoxing wine
4 cups napa cabbage
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1/4 tsp additional salt
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp oyster sauce
freshly ground white pepper (to taste)
1 cup snow peas
3/4 cup hot chicken stock or water
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

How to Make Polynesian Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Carefully split the chicken breast into two thinner pieces. Sprinkle with salt, white pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on both sides, then set aside to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, turmeric, and club soda (or beer). Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil: Heat 4 cups of canola oil in a wok or cast-iron frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken: Dip both chicken breasts into the batter, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Remove and let drain on a wire rack.
Step 5: Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through; the juices should no longer be pink. Set aside to rest.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat the wok over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the frying oil. Add minced garlic, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and red bell peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: Add Cabbage and Wine: Pour in the Shaoxing wine, followed by the napa cabbage. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until just wilted.
Step 8: Season the Veggies: Stir in the soy sauces, additional salt, sugar, sesame oil, and freshly ground white pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 9: Add Snow Peas: Toss in the snow peas and give them a quick stir. Pour in the hot chicken stock and let it come to a boil.
Step 10: Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring for another 30 seconds until the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 11: Plate the Dish: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a plate. Slice the fried chicken into 1½-inch wide pieces and arrange them on top of the vegetables. Serve immediately, ideally over fluffy white rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Polynesian Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Use cold club soda or beer for a lighter, crispier batter.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it helps maintain the oil temperature.
For a tropical twist, try a Polynesian Chicken with pineapple variation.

Best Ways to Serve Polynesian Chicken

Here are a couple of delightful pairing ideas:

Serve Polynesian Chicken for luau party with sticky rice and grilled pineapple.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light, refreshing meal.

How to Store and Reheat Polynesian Chicken

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through. This method helps retain the chicken’s crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polynesian Chicken

What is Polynesian Chicken?

Polynesian Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a medley of stir-fried vegetables, often served with rice. It features a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for family meals and tropical-themed parties.

Can I make Polynesian Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. Just fry the chicken and stir-fry the veggies, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Polynesian Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, as this prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.

Variations of Polynesian Chicken You Can Try

Here are some exciting variations:

Grilled Polynesian Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a tropical chicken marinade and grill for a smoky flavor.
Baked Polynesian Chicken: Use the baked Polynesian chicken instructions for a healthier option.
Polynesian Chicken skewers recipe: Thread the chicken onto skewers with vegetables and grill for a fun presentation.

These variations make it easy to enjoy the deliciousness of this dish in different ways!

Polynesian Chicken: 10 Irresistible Flavors to Savor - Polynesian Chicken - additional detail

About the Author

Fatima Garcia