Name: One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup white or jasmine rice; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Short Description

This One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is a flavorful and convenient dish that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a rich coconut-infused rice, this meal delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly tangy flavors. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while ensuring that all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Simplicity – Enjoy a full meal with minimal cleanup.
Tropical Flavor Explosion – A mix of juicy pineapple, coconut, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sweet and savory dish.
Family-Friendly – Both kids and adults will love this mildly sweet and comforting meal.
Perfectly Balanced – The umami from the soy sauce and garlic complements the sweetness of the pineapple and richness of the coconut rice.
Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat well, making this a great dish for planning ahead.
Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients

chicken thighs or breasts
pineapple chunks
coconut milk
white or jasmine rice
chicken broth
soy sauce
brown sugar
garlic
ginger
red bell pepper
onion
green onions
sesame seeds (optional)
olive oil or sesame oil
salt and pepper

Directions

Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Deglaze and Build Flavor: Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add Pineapple and Chicken: Stir in pineapple chunks, then return the seared chicken to the pot.
Cook the Rice: Pour in coconut milk and add the rice. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
Simmer and Cook: Cover and reduce heat to low. Let everything cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Variations

Protein Swap – Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork for a different take on the dish.
Spicy Kick – Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Different Rice – Use brown rice or quinoa, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Tropical Touch – Add shredded coconut or mango chunks for extra sweetness.
Low-Carb Option – Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce liquid.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works just as well as fresh. Drain excess juice before adding.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh tropical salad complements this meal well.

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?

Coconut cream is thicker and richer, so if using it, dilute with a bit of water or broth.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but breasts work too.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

Will this dish be very sweet?

It has a mild sweetness, but you can adjust by reducing the brown sugar or pineapple.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients in advance or cook the dish and store it for later.

Conclusion

One Pot Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice is the ultimate weeknight meal, offering an irresistible blend of tropical flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a delicious, comforting dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen!

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