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Easy Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Craving a taste of the tropics without leaving home? This Hawaiian chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors straight to your plate.

Juicy, marinated chicken paired with caramelized pineapple and creamy coconut rice—it’s a delicious, easy dinner that feels like a mini vacation in every bite!

Perfect for family dinners, summer BBQs, or whenever you need a quick meal that tastes like paradise.

For Hawaiian Chicken

  • Chicken – This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Soy Sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor to the marinade. Low-sodium soy sauce is best to keep the saltiness balanced.
  • Coconut Milk – Gives the marinade a rich, tropical taste while keeping the chicken juicy.
  • Pineapple Juice – A key ingredient that brings natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
  • Garlic and Ginger – The dynamic duo that infuses the dish with warmth and aromatic flavor.
  • Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way to add a nutty depth to the marinade.
  • Pineapple Slices – Grilled pineapple adds a smoky-sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

For Coconut Rice

  • White Rice – Short-grain rice works best for a slightly sticky texture that absorbs the coconut flavors.
  • Coconut Milk – Creates a creamy, fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
  • Water – Helps cook the rice to the right consistency.
  • Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness that complements the coconut flavor.
  • Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Cilantro and Lime (Optional) – Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice add a bright, zesty finish.

Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

This Hawaiian chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a tropical coconut blend and grilled to perfection. Served with coconut rice and grilled pineapple, it’s a simple yet flavorful dinner perfect for any occasion.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Keyword: Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup light coconut milk
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)

For the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 cup white rice (short grain preferred)
  • 1 ¼ cups light coconut milk
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • Cilantro leaves and lime wedges (for garnish, optional)
 

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, coconut milk, and pineapple juice.
  2. Pour the marinade into a resealable bag or container and add the chicken. Let marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
  4. Place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
  5. Arrange grilled chicken and pineapple on a serving plate.

Prepare the Coconut Rice:

  1. In a saucepan, bring coconut milk and water to a boil.
  2. Stir in salt and rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 18 minutes.
  3. Add brown sugar and stir well.

Serve:

  • Plate the grilled chicken and pineapple with the coconut rice.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 640mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 44.4mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2.7mg

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1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Ensure you drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight enhances flavor, even a short marination of 30 minutes can impart significant taste.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for a great alternative to grilling.

4. What sides complement Hawaiian Chicken?
Serving it over rice, such as coconut or cilantro lime rice, and pairing it with vegetables like green beans or grilled veggies enhances the meal.

5. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature and consider using chicken thighs, which retain moisture better than chicken breasts.

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