Go Back
+ servings
Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice

Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice: Your Tropical Dinner Escape

Experience tropical flavors with Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice—an easy weeknight dinner that's adaptable and family-friendly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs or substitute with pork tenderloin, firm tofu, or shrimp
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice preferably fresh
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar white sugar can be used as a substitute
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil olive oil as a substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger grated or ground ginger
For the Coconut Rice
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice substitutions include basmati or brown rice
  • 1 can Coconut Milk canned is ideal
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil for sautéing
For the Sautéed Vegetables
  • 2 cups Bell Peppers sliced, any variety
  • 1 medium Red Onion sliced
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks, fresh or canned

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • medium saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • fine mesh strainer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  2. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, mix with two-thirds of the marinade in a large bowl, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Create a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water, stirring it into the simmering marinade.
  5. Rinse jasmine rice under cool water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then combine with coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes until fluffy.
  7. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and red onion for 5–7 minutes.
  8. Cook the marinated chicken in the same skillet over medium-high heat for about 7–10 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Return sautéed vegetables and pineapple to the skillet with chicken, pour over the glaze, and heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
  10. Plate the coconut rice and top with the chicken and pineapple mixture. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor; rinse rice for fluffiness; ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!