Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

There’s something undeniably magical about Hawaiian flavors—the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tropical freshness that instantly transports you to a sunny beachside retreat. This Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a simple yet vibrant dish that brings a taste of the islands right to your dinner table.

The combination of juicy, marinated chicken with the creamy, fragrant coconut rice is pure comfort food, infused with tropical flavors. The dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough for a gathering with family and friends. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past vacation or just craving a meal that feels like a warm escape, this recipe will bring the aloha spirit into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with tropical flavors – Sweet and tangy pineapple, rich coconut, and perfectly seasoned chicken make this dish incredibly flavorful.
• Easy to make – A simple marinade and a one-pot rice dish mean minimal effort for maximum taste.
• Perfect for meal prep – The chicken and rice store well, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
• A crowd-pleaser – Whether for a family dinner or a small get-together, this dish is always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hawaiian Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter

For Garnishing:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer (up to overnight) will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 2: Cook the Coconut Rice

While the chicken marinates, prepare the coconut rice. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

In a pot, combine coconut milk, water, salt, and butter, then bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and place it in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

For extra flavor, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken the sauce. Drizzle this over the cooked chicken for even more flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Serve the juicy chicken over a bed of coconut rice, then top with fresh pineapple chunks, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This final touch brings brightness and a slight crunch, making every bite irresistible.

Helpful Tips

• Marinate longer for more flavor – If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and make it even more tender.
• Use fresh pineapple if possible – While canned pineapple works, fresh pineapple adds a naturally sweet and tangy taste that enhances the dish.
• Make the rice ahead of time – Coconut rice keeps well and reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it earlier in the day to save time.
• For extra caramelization – After cooking the chicken, you can quickly sear the pineapple chunks in the same skillet for a sweet, slightly charred flavor boost.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 35 minutes (includes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free option available

Notes

• To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• You can swap jasmine rice for basmati or long-grain rice if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.
• If you prefer grilled chicken, cook the marinated chicken on an outdoor or stovetop grill over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated values:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a fully vegetarian version.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You can cook the rice with just water, but it won’t have the same creamy, tropical flavor. If you’re out of coconut milk, try adding a little coconut extract to regular rice while cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it longer until it thickens naturally. Another option is to use arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months in a sealed container. The coconut rice can also be frozen but may need a splash of coconut milk or water when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, here are a few more tropical-inspired dishes to try:

• Grilled Aloha Chicken and Pineapple
• Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan: A Tropical Escape for Dinner
• Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Tropical Culinary Delight
• Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A Tropical Delight That’s Easy, Healthy, and Gluten-Free

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a perfect way to bring tropical flavors into your home. It’s easy, delicious, and full of bright, fresh ingredients that make every bite feel like a mini vacation. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of paradise!

Print