Description
This Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice is a tropical-inspired dinner bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Juicy chicken is coated in a glossy pineapple-soy glaze and served over creamy coconut jasmine rice for the perfect island-style comfort meal.
Ingredients
- For the Hawaiian Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks or rings, drained
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Coconut Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear. In a pot, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Fluff and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and sauté onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet, add pineapple, and pour in sauce mixture. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve chicken over coconut rice and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, sear pineapple separately before adding.
- You can use chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier.
- Add chili flakes if you want a spicy tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired