Tropical Paradise Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice Recipe

Summer barbecues come alive with this mouthwatering Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice that promises a tropical escape on your plate.

Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy flavors delivers an instant vacation vibe.

Fragrant coconut rice provides the perfect complementary base, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Each bite transports you to sunny beaches and laid-back island moments.

The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger infuses the chicken with an irresistible depth of flavor.

Succulent and easy to prepare, this dish turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds sail to paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice Ingredients

• Pineapple Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds tropical sweetness with its natural enzymes, choosing fresh or high-quality bottled juice for best results.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps caramelize the chicken, selecting low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy richness and helps create a glossy coating, opting for a quality brand with balanced sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and balances the savory elements, selecting fine-textured sugar for smooth blending.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic depth, choosing fresh cloves over pre-minced for more robust flavor.
• Canola Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and prevents sticking, picking cold-pressed options for better quality.

• Chicken Tenderloins: Lean, tender cut that absorbs marinade quickly, selecting fresh, uniformly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Honey: Provides final glossy glaze and caramelization, using local or raw honey for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Pineapple: Adds fresh, charred sweetness and complements chicken, picking ripe fruits with golden-yellow color and slight softness.

• White Rice: Creates fluffy base for the dish, choosing long-grain varieties for best texture.
• Coconut Milk: Infuses creamy, tropical richness into rice, selecting full-fat versions for maximum flavor.
• Water: Helps cook rice and balance coconut milk's intensity, using filtered water for pure taste.

• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright finishing touch, choosing fresh leaves with vibrant green color.

Tools You’ll Need for Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for mixing marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Ziplock Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly and mess-free.
• Grill Pan or Cast Iron Grill: Key for cooking chicken with nice grill marks.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's safe internal temperature.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken and pineapple.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for food preparation.
• Pot with Tight-Fitting Lid: Required for cooking coconut rice perfectly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and pineapple on the grill.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for applying honey to grilled chicken.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice Smoothly

• Tropical Marinade Fusion

Blend pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and canola oil into a smooth mixture. Submerge chicken tenderloins in this vibrant liquid, ensuring complete coverage. Let flavors mingle in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

• Flame-Kissed Protein

Heat your preferred cooking surface until hot. Grill chicken until golden and cooked through, reaching 165°F. Drizzle honey over the meat for a glossy finish that caramelizes beautifully.

• Sunshine Fruit Transformation

Cut fresh pineapple into hearty slices. Char on grill until edges turn deep golden and sugars begin to caramelize, creating a sweet and smoky dimension.

• Creamy Island Rice

Combine rice, coconut milk, and water in a pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer quietly until liquid absorbs and rice becomes tender and fluffy.

• Tropical Plate Symphony

Arrange coconut rice as a creamy base. Layer grilled chicken and pineapple slices on top. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a bright, herbal touch that connects all flavors.

Flavor Boosts for Hawaiian Chicken with Tropical Vibes

• Replace chicken tenderloins with shrimp, tofu, or pork chops for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Add grated ginger or red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick of spice and depth.
• Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance to intensify the tropical flavors and save time on cooking day.
• Toast rice in a bit of coconut oil before cooking to enhance the nutty coconut flavor and create a slightly crispy texture.
• Use canned pineapple rings if fresh pineapple is unavailable, and broil them for a similar caramelized effect.

Serving Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice Island-Style

• Tropical Plating Paradise: Arrange the grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple slices artfully over the creamy coconut rice, creating a vibrant island-inspired presentation that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds over the dish to add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
• Side Dish Companions: Complement the Hawaiian chicken with a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw, grilled vegetable skewers, or a light cucumber salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the main course.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Serve with a refreshing tropical drink like a virgin piña colada, passion fruit iced tea, or a light coconut water to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired dining experience.

Storing Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice the Right Way

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover Hawaiian chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meals stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and textures.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Separate chicken and rice before freezing to prevent moisture loss. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen dishes remain tasty for up to 2 months when sealed correctly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice to restore moisture. Microwave rice with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare marinade and slice chicken ahead of time. Store marinating chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Batch cooking allows quick, delicious meals throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice brings tropical flavors to dinner tables with remarkable ease. Juicy marinated chicken paired with creamy coconut rice creates a simple yet spectacular meal perfect for home cooks seeking island-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenderloins (7–8 pieces)
• 5–6 cloves fresh garlic
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsps ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps canola oil
• ½ fresh ripe pineapple, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• ¾ cup coconut milk
• ¾ cup water

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Pulverize pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and canola oil into a seamless liquid using a food processor.
2. Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken tenderloins in prepared marinade within a ziplock bag, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to intensify flavor profile.
3. Grill Preparation: Heat selected cooking surface – grill pan, cast iron, charcoal, electric grill, or non-stick skillet – with light oil coating.
4. Protein Cooking: Arrange marinated chicken on heated surface, rotating midway to ensure uniform cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Glaze and Caramelization: Generously brush chicken with honey, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste complexity.
6. Pineapple Grilling: Char fresh pineapple slices directly on grill surface, developing light marks and intensifying natural sweetness.
7. Rice Preparation: Combine rice, coconut milk, and water in pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 17-20 minutes until perfectly fluffy.
8. Plating Finale: Construct dish by layering coconut rice, topping with grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant, herbaceous accent.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to soak in pineapple-based marinade for at least one hour, but no more than 24 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, ensuring food safety and preventing overcooking.
• Grill with Care: Rotate chicken midway through cooking to develop even caramelization and prevent burning, using medium-high heat for best results.
• Enhance Flavor: Brush honey on grilled chicken during final moments of cooking to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that adds depth and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg