Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

The tropical sweetness of the pineapple and the savory richness of the chicken come together in such a beautiful harmony that each bite feels like a mini vacation. The coconut rice, fluffy and fragrant, perfectly complements the dish, with its subtle sweetness adding depth to the savory flavors of the chicken. It’s one of those meals where the flavors just *sing*—you know, that kind of dinner that makes you pause and savor every single bite, almost like a little moment of indulgence.

When you add the slightly caramelized edges of the chicken, you get this wonderful contrast of textures: crispy, tender, and juicy all at once. And let’s not forget about the drizzle of tangy, slightly sweet sauce that brings everything together. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it sits, making leftovers just as exciting as the first round. The coconut rice is such a perfect base for this dish, too; it soaks up all those wonderful juices and sauces, giving each bite a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

I love serving this with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime to balance out the sweetness. It adds that little zesty kick that ties everything together. I’ve even tried tossing in some toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra crunch—such a delicious touch! If you’re like me, always looking for an excuse to turn a simple dinner into something special, this Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice is a dish you’re going to want to make again and again.

This dish is all about balance—sweet, savory, and a touch of tangy goodness. Each ingredient plays its part, working together to create that perfect tropical-inspired flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice such a standout.

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Chicken Breasts
The lean, tender protein at the heart of the dish. It absorbs all those rich flavors from the marinade and cooks up juicy, with slightly crispy edges when seared.

Olive Oil
A simple yet essential ingredient for cooking the chicken, helping to crisp up the edges while adding a subtle richness to the overall flavor.

Garlic Powder
Adds a warm, savory depth to the chicken, infusing every bite with that irresistible garlic flavor without being overpowering.

Onion Powder
Another aromatic base note that brings a mild, savory sweetness to the chicken. It pairs perfectly with the garlic powder, creating a lovely balance of flavors.

Salt
A crucial ingredient to bring out all the flavors in the dish, enhancing both the chicken and the rice.

Black Pepper
The pepper adds just a little heat to the dish, giving the flavors a bit of bite to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.

Pineapple Juice
The star of the dish! It brings that tropical sweetness and slight acidity that cuts through the savory flavors, creating that perfect balance in the chicken marinade.

Soy Sauce
Adds umami and saltiness, providing a nice depth to the marinade that works beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple juice.

Honey
Sweetness with a hint of floral flavor. The honey helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a perfectly rounded marinade for the chicken.

Red Bell Pepper
The pop of color and a mild sweetness that adds crunch and freshness to the dish, complementing the juicy chicken.

Green Bell Pepper
Adds a slight earthiness and crunch, providing contrast to the other veggies and rounding out the flavor profile of the dish.

Green Onions
A touch of sharpness and a bit of freshness. The green onions add a nice finish to the dish when sprinkled on top, brightening up the overall flavors.

Shredded Coconut
The coconut adds texture and a subtle, natural sweetness. It’s a wonderful addition to both the coconut rice and as a garnish on top of the chicken.

Jasmine Rice
Fragrant and delicate, this rice forms the perfect base for the dish. Its mild, slightly floral aroma soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.

Coconut Milk
Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. Coconut milk infuses the rice with a luscious creaminess that enhances the tropical vibes of the dish.

Water
Helps cook the rice to the perfect consistency, allowing the coconut milk to do its magic and create that silky texture.

Salt
Brings the rice to life, ensuring that it’s not too bland and helps balance out the sweetness from the coconut milk.

Each ingredient in this dish is carefully chosen to bring something unique to the table, and together they create a harmonious flavor explosion that you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Pair it with a Fresh Tropical Salad
The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and rice are complemented beautifully by a light, zesty salad. Try a simple mix of greens, mango slices, and a squeeze of lime. The tangy lime dressing will enhance the tropical vibe and add a refreshing crunch to your meal. You can even throw in a handful of crispy wonton strips for extra texture!

Serve with Grilled Veggies
If you’re looking to up the veggie game, grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes make the perfect side dish. Their smoky, charred flavors provide a delightful contrast to the rich coconut rice and pineapple chicken. Plus, they add a pop of color to the plate!

Add a Tropical Drink on the Side
To really set the mood, serve this meal with a tropical drink like a fresh coconut water or a pineapple margarita. The cool, refreshing drink will balance out the warm, savory chicken and bring that vacation feeling right to your table. Just imagine sipping on that drink, enjoying the delicious meal, and letting the island vibes take over!

How to Store Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing this tropical dish properly will ensure you can enjoy it all over again. First, let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature before packing it up. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make your coconut rice soggy.

When storing, I recommend placing the chicken and coconut rice in separate airtight containers. This helps preserve their textures—the rice stays fluffy, and the chicken retains its juicy tenderness. If you mix them together, the rice may absorb too much of the sauce, which could change the dish’s balance.

For maximum freshness, try to consume the leftovers within 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, the dish can be frozen, though the rice may lose a bit of its creaminess when reheated. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of coconut milk or a bit of water to keep things moist. You’ll still have that tropical vibe, even on day two (or three)!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Hawaiian chicken with coconut rice, a dish that feels like a tropical getaway in every bite! From the perfectly seared chicken to the creamy coconut rice, every part of this recipe is designed to transport you to an island paradise. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, paired with the soft, fluffy rice, makes it a meal you’ll want to savor again and again. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints.

I hope you enjoy cooking it as much as I do! If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Do you have any twists of your own, or maybe a new ingredient you’ve added to make it even better? Feel free to share your thoughts—I’m always excited to hear about your kitchen adventures. And if you have any questions or need a little help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Print Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 2 hrs Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 2 hrs 35 mins

Calories: 450

Description

A tropical feast of tender chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, paired with fragrant coconut rice. The juicy chicken and creamy rice balance savory and sweet notes, transporting you straight to an island paradise with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ cup pineapple juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup diced red bell pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup diced green bell pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup sliced green onions

• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

• ¹⁄₂ cup water

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
6. In a separate bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey.
7. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
8. Add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions to the skillet.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Meanwhile, rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
11. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
12. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
13. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
14. While the rice is cooking, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
15. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
16. Serve the Hawaiian chicken alongside the coconut rice, garnished with toasted coconut.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 113kcal

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Note

• Be sure to sear the chicken until it's golden brown for extra flavor before baking.
• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
• For added sweetness, try adding a few pineapple chunks to the skillet during baking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the pineapple juice mixture for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet.
• Use unsweetened coconut milk to avoid overly sweet rice, especially when paired with the honey in the chicken sauce.

Keywords: Hawaiian Chicken recipe, coconut rice recipe, easy Hawaiian chicken dinner, tropical chicken with coconut rice, Hawaiian chicken and rice