![- 4 boneless chicken thighs - 1 cup pineapple juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnishing - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 cup coconut milk - 1/2 cup water - Pinch of salt To make this dish really pop, choose fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs absorb the sweet and tangy marinade well. Pineapple juice gives a nice tropical taste. The honey adds a hint of sweetness. For the veggies, I love using a bright bell pepper and juicy cherry tomatoes. They add color and freshness. Don't forget the cilantro! It makes everything look pretty and adds flavor. For the coconut rice, jasmine rice is my go-to. It cooks up fluffy and fragrant. Mixing coconut milk with water creates a creamy texture. The pinch of salt balances the sweetness. You can find the full recipe with cooking steps in the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy creating this flavorful dish! First, gather your marinade ingredients. You need pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Combine these in a bowl. Mix well so the flavors blend together. Next, add the boneless chicken thighs. Make sure each piece gets coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps deepen the flavor. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice. Do this under cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy. In a saucepan, mix coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it boils, add the rinsed rice. Stir it once, then cover the pot with a lid. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. When the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork. Keep it covered to stay warm. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Shake off any excess marinade and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the sliced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Pour the reserved marinade over the vegetables. This will help flavor them as they cook. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The veggies should soften slightly, and the sauce will thicken. To serve, create a mound of coconut rice on a large plate. Place the grilled chicken thighs on top of the rice. Arrange the sautéed vegetables around the chicken. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the dish. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Enjoy your Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best taste from your Hawaiian chicken, marinate it longer. A longer marination time lets the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors. Try to marinate for at least one hour. If you love sweet dishes, adjust the honey to suit your taste. More honey gives a sweeter flavor, while less makes it less sweet. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. This tool helps you know when your chicken is cooked just right. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can cook the chicken on a grill or in a skillet. Grilling gives it a nice smoky flavor. Skillet cooking is great for juicy chicken with a bit of sauce. Serve your Hawaiian chicken with a tropical fruit salad for a fresh touch. Fruits like mango or pineapple pair well with the dish. You can also add sides like steamed broccoli or a simple green salad to complete your meal. These sides add color and nutrition to your plate. {{image_4}} You can easily switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. You can also use different cuts of chicken, like breast or wings. Each cut brings its own flavor and texture. For a healthy twist, try using brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice. Both options offer more fiber and nutrients. You can also enhance the coconut rice with lime zest or coconut flakes. Lime adds a zesty kick, while coconut flakes bring extra flavor and crunch. If you like heat, add chili flakes or jalapeños to the dish. Both ingredients can spice things up quickly. You might also try using spicy soy sauce in the marinade. It gives the chicken a bold flavor that pairs well with coconut rice. Feel free to explore these variations. They can help you create your own unique version of Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. The recommended shelf life in the refrigerator is about three days. Make sure to let the dish cool down first before sealing it up. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy stacking. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy. For quick weeknight meals, pre-marinate the chicken. A few hours or overnight in the fridge makes a huge difference. You can also cook the coconut rice ahead of time. Reheating it in a pan with a splash of coconut milk can bring back its creamy texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure to thaw them first. The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them quickly, you can use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps. This way, your chicken will soak up all those tasty flavors. If you don’t have coconut milk, there are good options. Almond milk works well and adds a nice taste. Regular dairy milk is another choice, but it will change the flavor. You can also mix half coconut milk with half water for a lighter version. Each option will give your rice a different twist. To add heat, try using spices like chili flakes or cayenne pepper. Mix them into the marinade for a kick. You can also add hot sauce when you serve the dish. It’s easy to adjust the spice level based on your taste. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the coconut rice in advance. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to serve. This makes weeknight dinners much easier! Tropical fruit salad is a great side. It adds freshness and balances the savory chicken. You can also serve it with a light green salad. Rice and beans make a filling option, too. Each of these sides will complement the flavors of Hawaiian chicken perfectly. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe! This recipe combines juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy coconut rice. Marinating chicken enhances the taste, while the rice adds a lovely texture. You can easily modify the dish with different proteins or grains. Whether you want a quick meal or a fun dish for guests, it works great. Don't forget to store leftovers right to keep them fresh. Happy cooking!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2cec77f5-cde2-4bf2-a443-c528752c27ed-250x250.webp)
Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
Experience a taste of paradise with this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Delight recipe! Made with juicy chicken thighs marinated in pineapple juice and served over creamy coconut rice, this dish brings vibrant flavors to your table. Packed with bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, it's a colorful and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to uncover step-by-step instructions and treat your family to a tropical feast tonight!