Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple and Coconut Rice
This dish is an irresistible combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring marinated grilled chicken served over creamy coconut rice and topped with sweet pineapple—a tropical paradise on your plate.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For brushing the grill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling)
- Green onions (for garnish)
For the Coconut Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk Use full-fat for creaminess
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Prepare the Coconut Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade). Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- During the last few minutes of grilling, add fresh pineapple slices to caramelize them slightly.
Plate Your Dish
- On a serving platter, create a bed of coconut rice.
- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the rice.
- Garnish with grilled pineapple slices and chopped green onions.
Notes
Choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the marinade to taste, being cautious not to overcook the chicken. Let the rice sit after cooking to enhance fluffiness.