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Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice

Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice: Your Tropical Comfort Food Escape

This Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice recipe is a quick weeknight meal loaded with vibrant flavors, perfect for impressing guests or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Tender choice that absorbs flavors well
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice Use fresh for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Honey or coconut sugar can also be used
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Feel free to use apple cider vinegar if needed
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil Vegetable oil is a fine alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh is ideal
  • 1 teaspoon ginger Fresh preferred but ground can suffice
For the Coconut Rice
  • 1 cup jasmine rice Basmati or brown rice can be good substitutes
  • 1 cup coconut milk Light coconut milk is an option for fewer calories
For the Stir-Fried Vegetables
  • 1 cup bell peppers Add a splash of color and nutrients
  • 1 medium red onion Any seasonal veggies can be swapped
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup cilantro Brightens the dish with freshness
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds For crunch and additional flavor
  • 2 green onions sliced Adds color to the dish

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • resealable bag
  • Small Saucepan
  • Bowl
  • Pan
  • Skillet

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger to create a rich marinade. Place the chicken thighs into a resealable bag and pour the marinade over. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, add leftover marinade and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering marinade. Cook until thickened.
Cook the Jasmine Rice
  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and red onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer vegetables to a plate.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Remove marinated chicken thighs, drain, and sear in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Return sautéed vegetables to the skillet with chicken. Pour glaze over the mixture, toss gently to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve Your Dish
  1. Plate fluffy coconut rice as the base, top with glazed chicken and vegetables. Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken marinates for at least 30 minutes for deep flavor. Adjust cooking time based on rice type for perfect texture.

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