Why make this recipe
This dish mixes sweet pineapple and creamy coconut rice with simple grilled chicken. It is quick to make. It feels like a tropical meal at home. Kids and adults like the sweet and salty mix.
This easy Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice brings bright flavors with little work. The chicken stays juicy and the pineapple adds a sweet bite. For a sweet bread side, try the Hawaiian roll French toast recipe to match the tropical taste.
How to make Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice
Follow the steps below. Cook the rice first so it is ready when the chicken and pineapple finish.
Ingredients :
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup coconut rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the coconut rice according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes on each side).
- In the same pan, add pineapple slices and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Serve the grilled chicken with coconut rice and top with grilled pineapple. Garnish with chopped green onions.
How to serve Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice
Place a scoop of coconut rice on each plate. Add a chicken breast on top or beside the rice. Lay 1–2 grilled pineapple slices over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped green onions. Serve warm.
How to store Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice
Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until hot. Do not freeze pineapple slices; they get soft.
Tips to make Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice
- Pound the chicken to even thickness for even cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter taste, or drain canned slices well.
- Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce to the pan when grilling pineapple for extra glaze.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add a pinch of chili flakes or brush chicken with a sweet chili sauce.
- Add veggies: serve with steamed broccoli or bell peppers.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of coconut rice?
A: Yes. Cook brown rice first, then mix in a little coconut milk after cooking for flavor.
Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is done when the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) or when juices run clear and there is no pink inside.
Q: Can I make this for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store chicken and rice in separate containers and add pineapple just before eating for best texture.
Q: Can I use pineapple juice in the pan?
A: You can add a little pineapple juice to the pan to help caramelize the pineapple, but do not add too much or the pan will steam instead of caramelize.
Hawaiian Chicken, Pineapple and Coconut Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A tropical dish combining sweet pineapple with creamy coconut rice and juicy grilled chicken, perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup coconut rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the coconut rice according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes on each side).
- In the same pan, add pineapple slices and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Serve the grilled chicken with coconut rice and top with grilled pineapple. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Pound the chicken to even thickness for even cooking. For best texture, add pineapple just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
