Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice

Oh my goodness, friends!!! Have you ever tasted the sheer delight of Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice? I mean, come on!!! Just imagining those tender pieces of chicken marinated in sweet pineapple juice, paired with creamy coconut rice is enough to make any taste bud do a happy dance!!! Not only is this dish SUPER easy to make, but it also packs a flavor punch that’s downright unforgettable. I discovered this combo during a laid-back summer barbecue, and let me tell you—it was a TOTAL game-changer!!! I knew I had to share it with all of you, because YOU DESERVE to experience this culinary goodness!!!

So, are you looking for an easy weeknight dinner that will impress the whole family? Or maybe you want a meal prep option that’s tasty enough to make you excited for lunch? Look no further! Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice is not just another recipe; it’s an experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this dish your new favorite!!!

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Recipe

Let’s talk about why this dish will become your ALL-TIME favorite!!! First off, it’s bursting with FLAVOR—seriously, every bite is a tropical escape!!! The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes your taste buds sing with joy and delight!!! Plus, it’s a one-stop meal that satisfies both your protein and carb cravings without feeling heavy. It’s light but filling, which is like finding a gold mine of deliciousness!!!

Do you meal prep? This recipe is perfect for that! You can whip it up ahead of time and store it in individual containers for the week. Easy peasy!!! Not to mention, even picky eaters will adore this meal (great for those little ones who might otherwise turn their noses up at dinner). And let’s not skip the health benefits either—coconut milk adds a rich creaminess while still keeping things on the healthier side compared to other creamy dishes!

Oh, and guess what? It’s easily adaptable! Feeling spicy? You can add some chili flakes for a touch of heat. Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in some peas or bell peppers! It’s a canvas for your creativity, and that’s what makes it so exciting!!! I mean, who WOULDN’T want a dish that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar in your own kitchen???

Ingredients That Make Magic

Here’s what you need to create this mouthwatering Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of jasmine rice, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste, plus some fresh pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro for garnish!!!

Can we take a second to appreciate that list? It’s wonderful, right? The pineapple juice adds that sweet tanginess we all crave, while the coconut milk transforms the plain old rice into something spectacular!!! And if jasmine rice isn’t your jam, feel free to swap it out for brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option! Health-conscious, party-ready—it works for everyone!!! You can easily find these ingredients in any grocery store (they’re pretty standard!). Just a friendly reminder—don’t skip on the fresh pineapple—it takes this dish from good to AMAZING!!!

Your Roadmap to Easy Cooking

Now, let’s dive into the super simple process of making this delicious dish. First things first, in a bowl, mix together that delightful pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder!!! Marinate the chicken in this heavenly mixture for at least 30 minutes—trust me, let those flavors soak in!!!

Next, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium heat and cook that marinated chicken until it’s fully cooked and the juices run clear—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it!!! Don’t worry if it’s your first time grilling; just watch it closely—flipping it halfway will ensure it’s juicy and packed with flavor!!!

While that chicken is sizzling away, grab a saucepan, heat up the vegetable oil, and toss in your jasmine rice for a quick toast—around 2 minutes is perfect!!! Then pour in the creamy coconut milk and one cup of water, season with salt and let it come to a rolling boil! Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is all absorbed—about 15-20 minutes!!! This is where the magic happens—can you smell that heavenly aroma??? YUM!!!

Once everything’s cooked to perfection, serve the chicken over the glorious coconut rice, garnished with fresh pineapple and cilantro for that pop of color and freshness!!! JUST WOW!!!

Hot Tips & Tricks for Success

Here’s where I sprinkle in some golden nuggets to make your cooking even smoother!!! If you know you’re going to be busy, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge! Also, cooked Hawaiian chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep!!!

Reheating? No problem! Use a microwave, or heat it up gently in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to keep everything nice and moist!!! Want to make it even MORE kid-friendly? Try cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces before marinating, so it’s easier for tiny hands to grab. Remember—everyone should enjoy this dish!!!

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Now let’s talk about how to make your dish presentation as fabulous as the flavors!!! Serve your Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice alongside colorful veggies like steamed broccoli or a light salad to balance out the meal!!! Feeling fancy? You can create a little tropical plate with garnishes of lime wedges and extra cilantro!!!

Occasion-wise, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a sunny backyard BBQ!!! I also love throwing together a tropical-themed dinner just for fun!!! Leftovers? Get creative! Chop up the chicken and toss it into a stir-fry, or mix it into a salad for lunch—YES, please!!! This dish is ABOUT ADVENTURE!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Oh, my friends!!! You see how incredibly easy and DELICIOUS this Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice is? You will want to eat it again and again!!! Don’t forget to reach out if you have any questions or need extra tips—I’m here for YOU!!! And when you make this divine dish, PLEASE share your results online! I cannot wait to see your creations—let’s get cooking together!!! Happy munching, friends!!!

Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice

A delightful combination of tender chicken marinated in pineapple juice and served over creamy coconut rice, perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Hawaiian, Tropical

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 cup pineapple juice sweet and tangy base for the marinade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce adds savory depth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar for sweetness
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds flavor
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder for a warming spice

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts main protein

For the Coconut Rice

• 1 cup coconut milk for creaminess
• 1 cup jasmine rice can substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for toasting the rice
• 1 cup water to cook the rice
• to taste salt season to preference

For Garnish

• to taste fresh pineapple chunks adds freshness
• to taste chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
• Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

• Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
• Cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
• Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a saucepan and toast the jasmine rice for 2 minutes.
• Add coconut milk, water, and salt to the rice, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Serving

• Serve chicken over coconut rice and garnish with fresh pineapple and cilantro.

Notes

Make the marinade ahead of time for quicker preparation. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Adjust spice levels by adding chili flakes if desired.

Keyword coconut rice, Easy Dinner, Hawaiian chicken, Meal Prep, tropical recipe