Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Bowls

This Hawaiian pizza chicken bowl brings together the comforting flavors of a classic pizza with the wholesome satisfaction of a protein packed meal. Combining juicy chicken, tangy pizza sauce, melted cheese, sweet pineapple, and savory ham, this dish is perfect for meal prepping a vibrant and nutritious lunch or dinner. The added steamed broccoli rounds it out with a fresh crunch and healthy boost.

I first made this recipe when craving pizza flavors but wanting something lighter, and now it is a go to in my meal prep rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: cut into cubes to cook evenly and stay juicy when baked. Choose fresh, highquality chicken for the best texture and flavor
• Garlic powder: adds a warm aromatic base, an easy seasoning that goes a long way
• Paprika: brings a subtle smoky depth opt for sweet or smoked based on your preference
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs for a classic pizza profile without extra effort
• Salt and black pepper: to enhance and balance all the ingredients
• Pizza sauce: makes the dish tangy and savory a good quality sauce with herbs will elevate the flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded to melt perfectly over the chicken creating gooey melty pockets
• Ham: chopped for a salty and slightly smoky bite that pairs wonderfully with pineapple
• Pineapple: diced for bursts of sweetness and tropical tang balancing the savory notes
• Broccoli: steamed and cut into halves adding crunch, fiber, and a fresh green pop to the bowls

Instructions

Sauté the chicken with spices:

Cut the chicken breasts into oneinch cubes for even cooking and place them in a prepared 9 by 13 inch baking dish sprayed lightly with oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Bake the seasoned chicken:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes allowing the chicken cubes to cook halfway through and release their juices. This step helps set the flavors before adding the next layers.

Add pizza toppings:

After the initial bake, take the dish out of the oven. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped ham, and half a cup of diced pineapple across the top. This layering creates the signature Hawaiian pizza character.

Finish baking for melting and browning:

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt beautifully and start bubbling and browning on the edges, while the pineapple softens and enhances the sweet and savory harmony.

Assemble the bowls:

Once fully cooked, divide the chicken mixture into four meal prep bowls. Add four cups of steamed broccoli halves beside the chicken for a nutritious balance. Finally, garnish each bowl with extra diced pineapple and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to bring a sharp umami finish.

I really love the combination of pineapple and ham in this dish because it brings back memories of family pizza nights where we would experiment with toppings. The pineapple adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory chicken and melted cheese. Once, I brought this bowl to a friend's potluck and everyone was surprised how the flavors worked so perfectly together.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. This meal also freezes well — separate portions before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat with more moisture. Use turkey ham or omit the ham for a leaner version. For dairy free substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative and skip the Parmesan garnish without losing the core flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bowls on their own for a low carb option or add a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice if you want extra carbs. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing would also balance the richness of the melted cheese nicely.

These bowls are perfect for weekly meal prep and reheat well. Try adding fresh grilled pineapple just before serving for a bright, fruity contrast.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I prepare the chicken for baking?

Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and toss with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before baking.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple diced into small pieces works well, offering a natural sweetness and texture.

→ What is the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

After applying the cheese on top, bake the dish another 10-12 minutes until it bubbles and lightly browns.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, the bowls store well and maintain flavor when refrigerated, making them ideal for prepared meals.

→ Can I substitute the broccoli for other vegetables?

Steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors nicely.