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Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

A tropical dinner bowl featuring pan-seared chicken in a sticky, sweet-and-savory pineapple soy glaze, served over fluffy, creamy coconut rice and topped with fresh garnishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Hawaiian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Coconut Rice
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice rinsed well
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5 oz can
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
Hawaiian Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 0.33 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
Garnish
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 small red chili pepper sliced, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Rinse jasmine rice. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally if very thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the sticky glaze. Remove from heat and slice.
  7. Assemble bowls with a base of coconut rice, topped with sliced chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili slices if using.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for the soy sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.