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+ servings
recipe image of a mise en place shot with fresh chicken pineapple juice pineapple chunks coconut milk jasmine rice soy sauce brown sugar garlic ginger sesame oil cilantro lime juice coconut flakes bell peppers in healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets on a white marble kitchen counter under soft diffuse daylight realistic top down
Benjamin

Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Transport your taste buds to tropical paradise with this sweet and savory Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, perfect for a family dinner that feels like a vacation.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Hawaiian Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten free
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water for slurry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks optional
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
For the Coconut Rice
  • 1.5 cups Jasmine rice rinsed
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk 13.5 oz
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan,
  • Large skillet,
  • Fine Mesh Strainer

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
Prepare the Coconut Rice
  1. While the chicken marinates, rinse the Jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), pat dry slightly, and cook in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Repeat if needed.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add chopped red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add pineapple chunks if using and cook for 1-2 minutes until caramelized.
Make the Glaze and Combine
  1. Pour reserved marinade into the skillet. Mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water into a slurry and whisk into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Serve the Hawaiian Chicken over coconut rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for 3 months. Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to rice to keep it fluffy. Add sriracha for heat or make gluten-free with tamari.
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