Ingredients
For the chicken and marinade:
- 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 (from canned pineapple)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
For the tropical coconut pineapple rice:
- 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
- Toasted coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and pineapple chunks: Strain the pineapple chunks from the canned juice and set the chunks aside in an airtight container until use, reserving 1/4 cup of the pineapple juice for the marinade. Combine this juice with coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt in a plastic or reusable storage bag.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade bag, seal, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive or avocado oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (discard remaining marinade) and place them in the hot pan. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then 1-2 minutes on the second, until the chicken develops a crispy brown crust. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Prepare the coconut rice mixture: Measure the reserved pineapple juice and add canned coconut milk to reach a total of 3 cups of liquid. If needed, top up with water. Pour this mixture into the same skillet used for searing chicken, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon to add flavor. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, kosher salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add rice and pineapple: Stir in the uncooked jasmine rice and the reserved pineapple chunks, mixing well to combine.
- Simmer the chicken and rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, top with chopped cilantro, toasted coconut, or chopped cashews as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Meal Prep: Divide the chicken and rice evenly into individual containers for easy meals throughout the week. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
- Marinating Tip: For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but a minimum of 1 hour will still yield tasty results.
- Rice Option: Use jasmine rice for authentic fragrance; long grain white rice is a suitable substitute.
- Toasting Coconut: Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown to add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free