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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Pulverize pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and canola oil into a seamless liquid using a food processor.
- Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken tenderloins in prepared marinade within a ziplock bag, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to intensify flavor profile.
- Grill Preparation: Heat selected cooking surface – grill pan, cast iron, charcoal, electric grill, or non-stick skillet – with light oil coating.
- Protein Cooking: Arrange marinated chicken on heated surface, rotating midway to ensure uniform cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Glaze and Caramelization: Generously brush chicken with honey, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste complexity.
- Pineapple Grilling: Char fresh pineapple slices directly on grill surface, developing light marks and intensifying natural sweetness.
- 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.
- 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