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Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice

A tropical dinner delight featuring tender, marinated chicken and creamy coconut rice, ready in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian, Tropical
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 20-oz can pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the coconut rice

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 13.5-oz can coconut milk
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar

For garnish

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced

Instructions
 

Preparation and Marination

  • Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces; pat dry and place in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Pour two-thirds of the marinade over chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
  • Reserve remaining marinade for glaze.

Making the Glaze

  • Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
  • Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice if needed.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
  • Whisk cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry.
  • Slowly add slurry to the simmering marinade, whisking continuously until thickened and syrupy, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.

Preparing Coconut Rice

  • Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear.
  • In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar.
  • Stir once, then bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  • Stir again, reduce heat to the lowest, cover tightly, and simmer undisturbed for 18 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and keep covered until serving.

Cooking Chicken and Vegetables

  • Drain pineapple and cut bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces and wedges.
  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add bell peppers and red onion; sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Remove and set aside.
  • Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet.
  • Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and cook in a single layer for 4-6 minutes, flipping until golden brown and cooked through.

Combining and Glazing

  • Return sautéed vegetables and drained pineapple to the skillet with the cooked chicken.
  • Pour prepared thickened glaze over all ingredients.
  • Toss gently to coat and simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly and Serving

  • Scoop coconut rice onto serving plates.
  • Top with Hawaiian chicken, vegetables, and pineapple, ensuring plenty of glaze.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, allow the chicken to marinate longer up to 4 hours for more flavor. This recipe is already dairy-free thanks to coconut milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months.
Keyword coconut rice, Family Dinner, hawaiian chicken, One-pan meal, quick dinner