Name: Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (7-8 pieces); 1/2 whole fresh ripe pineapple; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 5-6 cloves fresh garlic; 2 tbsp canola oil; 2 tbsp honey; 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice; 3/4 cup coconut milk; 3/4 cup water; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)

Introduction to Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

If you’re a young professional juggling a busy schedule but still want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal, look no further than Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice. This dish beautifully marries sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The vibrant taste of fresh pineapple combined with tender chicken creates a tropical escape right in your kitchen.

Why not elevate your weekday meals? A recent study shows that preparing meals at home can lead to healthier eating habits and save you money. With its straightforward preparations, this recipe minimizes cooking stress while maximizing flavor. The chicken marinates in a zesty blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

Pair it with coconut rice, which is rich and creamy, complementing the grilled chicken perfectly. Plus, coconut rice is a fantastic side that remains easy to prepare, even for those new to cooking.

Ready to impress your taste buds and friends? Let's dive into the recipe for this mouthwatering dish and start cooking!

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Hawaiian Chicken Ingredients

To create the mouthwatering flavors in this Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, you'll need the following essentials:

~1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins (about 7-8 pieces)
½ fresh ripe pineapple
¼ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
5-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons honey

These ingredients come together to create a tropical marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with sweet and savory flavors.

Coconut Rice Ingredients

For the perfect accompaniment, you'll also need:

1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
¾ cup coconut milk
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

This coconut rice not only pairs beautifully with the chicken but also adds a creamy richness that elevates the entire dish. Who wouldn’t love a taste of the islands?

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making a delightful meal that brings a touch of Hawaii right into your kitchen!

Preparing Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Creating a delicious Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice dish is not just about following a recipe; it's about embracing the flavors and aromas that transport you to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Let’s break down the process into accessible steps that ensure success for every home cook, regardless of experience level.

Make the Marinade

Start by crafting a zesty marinade that packs a flavorful punch. In a food processor or blender, combine:

¼ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
5-6 cloves of fresh garlic
2 tablespoons canola oil

Blend these ingredients until they reach a smooth consistency. The natural sweetness of the pineapple juice combined with the soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will be absorbed by the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, it's time to give your chicken a bath! Place about 1.5 lbs of chicken tenderloins into a zip lock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and mix it around to fully coat each piece of chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least one hour; however, if you have time, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Cook the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grease your cooking surface lightly. Cook the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, flipping it halfway through to ensure even grilling. For an added touch of sweetness, brush honey on both sides just before removing it from the heat. The caramelization from the honey will contribute a lovely glaze to your chicken.

Grill the Pineapple

Don’t forget the pineapple! Cut half a ripe pineapple into slices about ½-1 inch thick. Grill these on both sides for a few minutes until they're caramelized and slightly charred. Grilled pineapple adds a fruity freshness that balances the richness of the chicken and coconut rice perfectly.

Prepare the Coconut Rice

For the coconut rice, combine 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice with ¾ cup of coconut milk and ¾ cup of water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook for about 17-20 minutes without lifting the lid—this keeps the steam in and ensures fluffy rice. If you have a rice cooker, use the same 1:1 ratio of coconut milk to water and let it do its thing.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked, it’s time to plate up your Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice. Serve the chicken and grilled pineapple over a generous bed of coconut rice, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that vibrant touch. Ready to dive into a tropical paradise? Enjoy every bite!

Variations on Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Teriyaki Hawaiian Chicken Option

Looking to switch things up with your Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice? Try using teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a richer flavor. Simply blend the teriyaki with your marinade and marinate the chicken as directed. The sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki will complement the fresh pineapple beautifully, enhancing your dish with an extra layer of flavor.

Vegetarian Coconut Rice Alternatives

For a delightful vegetarian twist, why not fill your bowl with grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers instead of chicken? You can also substitute the coconut rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that still retains the creamy essence when cooked with coconut milk. This way, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that caters to different dietary preferences while keeping that tropical vibe!

Cooking Notes for Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Cooking Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice can be a delightful adventure! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

Marinating: For juicy and flavorful chicken, aim to marinate for at least one hour, but if time permits, let it soak overnight. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will deepen!
Cooking Method: Whether using a grill, grill pan, or non-stick skillet, ensure that it’s preheated before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that perfect char while sealing in moisture. For more grilling tips, check out this grilling guide.
Rice Consistency: Cooking the rice covered is key—this traps steam for fluffy coconut rice. If you find the rice sticking, a splash of coconut milk can add extra flavor!

Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process, so make it your own. Happy cooking!