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Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Juicy pineapple-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served over creamy coconut-infused jasmine rice for a tropical dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-American, Hawaiian
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs total, equal thickness preferred
  • 1 cup pineapple juice 100% unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp minced garlic freshly minced preferred
  • 1 tsp minced ginger freshly minced preferred
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 14 oz can
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop grill pan
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Instant read meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat all surfaces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  3. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, let the excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
  4. Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side without moving it, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) at the thickest part and the juices run clear.
  5. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. While the chicken grills, combine the jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir once gently to coat the grains.
  7. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  8. Remove the rice from heat, fluff with a fork, and keep covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
  9. Slice the rested chicken against the grain. Spoon coconut rice onto plates, top with sliced Hawaiian chicken, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinating overnight significantly deepens the flavor. Always discard used marinade after removing raw chicken. For a tropical twist, grill fresh pineapple chunks alongside the chicken. Shrimp or firm tofu can be substituted for chicken. Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of water when reheating rice to restore moisture.
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