I was so sad to hear the news about Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.  Two great talents gone.  So, in a tiny tribute, I have decided to make Debbie’s Chicken a la Honolulu the first recipe of the month for 2017.  For me, it’s a dish that reminds me of the spring, most specifically, May on Mersea Island, which is where I first cooked this dish.  Alas, I don’t have a good photo of the finished dish, but please take my word for it, the chicken is delicious. 

img_59931-300x200

Debbie’s Hawaiin Chicken marinating

Chase away those winter blues

xmas-debbiereynolds23

with a little bit of Hawaii!

2464f96de0a7e55a044f1e8d274051b1

Debbie said: I have long thought that among the many reasons the Hawaiian Islands deserved statehood is their contribution to good eating.  Here is a recipe I collected from a kamaaina (old-timer) there.

Debbie Reynolds’ Chicken a la Honolulu

2 x 2.5 lb broiler-fryers

Cleaned and cut

3 cups, fresh, frozen or canned pineapple chunks

1 cup pineapple juice – DO NOT USE FRESH PINEAPPLE JUICE – see my note!

2 tablespoons ginger root, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

1 cup soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients in a marinade.  Cover chicken and let stand at least 4 hours.  Turn often.  Drain.

3 tablespoons oil

Brown chicken in a heavy skillet.  Place meat in a greased casserole.  Bake in 325 degree oven for an hour, or until tender.

NB – I used 6 chicken thighs and halved the marinade ingredients.  Debbie didn’t say what to do with the left over marinade so I boiled it fiercely (as I was told to do by the internet in case of GERMS) and then served some alongside the chicken for dipping.  It was delicious.

I had an email from a lovely blog reader called Norah who made Debbie’s chicken using fresh pineapple juice for the marinade – this made her chicken disintegrate…  There is an enzyme in fresh pineapple juice that is killed by heating, so use canned or cartoned pineapple juice.  I love the fact that Norah is going to have another go at the recipe saying:

“I’m going to make it again with fresh pineapple but not use it in the marinade, marinate for 20 minutes, brown & remove chicken then add pineapple to pan to heat gently to reduce the enzymes.  Then cook.  I’ll let you know how it goes!”

Please do Norah!

da121a29d3bdf77726f2b6358f51d481

Monthly movie star menus direct to your inbox

You have Successfully Subscribed!