One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a delightful dish that brings the taste of the tropics to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a pineapple-infused sauce and cooked alongside fluffy coconut rice, all in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one pot meal is simple to prepare, making it ideal for any night of the week.
• Flavorful: The combination of coconut milk and pineapple creates a rich, tropical flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish offers a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess to clean up after enjoying your delicious dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep sauté pan
• Liquid measuring cup
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic or reusable storage bag

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep sauté pan: Its depth allows for cooking both the chicken and rice in one vessel without spills.
• Liquid measuring cup: Ensures accurate measurements for liquids, essential for perfect flavor balance.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Ingredients

This Hawaiian chicken recipe is made with tender chicken thighs flavored with a tropical pineapple marinade cooked in one pot with fluffy coconut rice.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup coconut aminos
– 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk (shaken)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 cup 100% pineapple juice (use the juice from the canned pineapple below)
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
– 1 (13.5 ounce) can full fat coconut milk (shaken)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice (or long grain white rice)
– 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice
– To garnish: cilantro, chopped cashews or toasted coconut

How to Make One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Strain the pineapple chunks from the pineapple juice and store them in an airtight container. Measure out 1/4 cup of the juice and add it to a plastic or reusable storage bag along with the other marinade ingredients. Keep any leftover juice for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bag, seal it tightly, and toss well to coat. Place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your dish will be.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and place it in the hot pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 4: Combine Liquids

Measure out the reserved pineapple juice into a large liquid measuring cup. Add enough canned coconut milk to make a total of 3 cups of liquid. If you need more liquid, top off with water.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Pour this mixture into the same skillet used for searing chicken. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat before adding uncooked rice and reserved pineapple chunks.

Step 6: Simmer Together

Place the browned chicken on top of this rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top your One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with chopped cashews, toasted coconut, or cilantro if desired before serving! Enjoy your tropical feast!

How to Serve One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Serving One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice can be a delightful experience for everyone at the table. This dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with tropical flavors that transport you to an island paradise. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

Garnish for a Tropical Vibe

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the dish’s tropical essence.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkling toasted coconut on top gives a crunchy texture and rich coconut flavor.
• Chopped Cashews: These provide an added crunch and nutty taste, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple.

Pairing with Fresh Sides

• Green Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the coconut rice.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a smoky contrast to the sweet chicken.
• Fruit Salsa: A fresh fruit salsa, like mango or papaya, adds an extra layer of freshness and sweetness.

Serving Style

• Family Style: Present the dish in its pot on the table for a communal dining experience where everyone can serve themselves.
• Individual Bowls: For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual bowls topped with garnishes.

How to Perfect One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Perfecting this recipe is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out just right.

• Bold Marinade Time: Marinating the chicken for longer enhances flavor. Aim for 24 hours if possible for maximum taste.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Sear the chicken until golden brown for even cooking throughout when simmering.
• Check Rice Consistency: If rice appears too dry during cooking, add small amounts of water gradually to avoid burning.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality coconut milk and fresh pineapple juice for better flavor and creaminess.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Hawaiian Chicken will elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that adds a pop of green and crunch without overwhelming the main dish.
2. Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar create a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and rice.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a satisfying crunch and sweetness that pairs well with coconut rice.
4. Quinoa Salad: Light quinoa mixed with herbs offers an additional protein source while keeping things light.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect companion to balance out savory flavors.
6. Mango Chutney: A spoonful of sweet mango chutney brings extra tropical flair that complements the dish’s profile.
7. Grilled Pineapple Slices: Enhance tropical notes by grilling pineapple slices; they bring smokiness and caramelization.
8. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and acidity, cutting through the richness of coconut milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade Time – Not allowing enough time for the chicken to marinate can lead to less flavor. Aim for at least one hour, but longer is better for deeper taste.
• Using Low-Quality Rice – Poor quality rice may not cook evenly and can result in a mushy texture. Choose high-quality jasmine or long-grain white rice for the best results.
• Neglecting the Browning Step – Skipping the browning process of the chicken means missing out on flavorful crusts. Always sear until golden brown before adding other ingredients.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately – Incorrect measurements can throw off your dish’s balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overcooking or Undercooking Rice – Timing is crucial; overcooked rice becomes mushy, while undercooked rice remains hard. Follow the simmering instructions closely.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop – Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice?

One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked together with coconut milk and jasmine rice, creating a complete meal in one pot.

How do I customize One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice?

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! While thighs are ideal due to their tenderness, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice makes an excellent meal prep option as it stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or even tropical fruit salsas to enhance its flavors.

Conclusion

One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is not just delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With room for customization, you can make it your own by adding favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try tonight!

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