Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

Short Description

The Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is a delightful fusion of sweet and savoury flavours, combining succulent grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, and juicy pineapple over a bed of rice. This dish captures the essence of tropical cuisine, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavourful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavours: The combination of sweet pineapple, savoury chicken, and tangy teriyaki sauce creates a harmonious blend of tastes.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, it’s a meal that nourishes the body.
• Customisable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or available produce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare components in advance for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Family Favourite: Its appealing flavours and colourful presentation make it a hit with both adults and children.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into spears
• Bell peppers (any colour), cored and sliced
• Zucchini, sliced into spears
• Red onion, sliced
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or coconut rice)
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Light brown sugar
• Unseasoned rice vinegar
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, pickled onions, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for the sauce. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 24 hours.
3. Cook the Rice: Prepare your choice of rice according to package instructions. For added flavour, consider cooking the rice with coconut milk.
4. Grill the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
   • Simultaneously, grill the pineapple spears, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion slices until they have char marks and are tender.
5. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil.
   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
   • Slowly add the slurry to the boiling marinade, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
   • Remove from heat and stir in a dash of sesame oil.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
   • In individual serving bowls, add a portion of cooked rice.
   • Top with sliced grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, and pineapple.
   • Drizzle with the homemade teriyaki sauce.
   • Garnish with optional toppings like diced avocado, pickled onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour (up to 24 hours for deeper flavour)

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips for different protein options.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms based on preference.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If possible, store the sauce separately to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for this bowl?

Both white and brown rice are excellent choices. For added flavour, coconut rice complements the tropical elements of the dish.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple can be used. Opt for pineapple chunks in juice rather than syrup to maintain a balanced sweetness.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances the flavour, even a 1-hour marinade will impart significant taste to the chicken.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Bake the marinated chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure to press and marinate the tofu before grilling or baking.

What other sauces can I use?

Apart from teriyaki, sauces like sweet chilli, peanut, or a spicy sriracha mayo can be used for different flavour profiles.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?

Grill or sauté the vegetables until just tender to maintain a slight crunch.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I freeze the Hawaiian Chicken Bowl?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the grilled chicken and rice separately. Fresh vegetables and pineapple are not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is a versatile and flavourful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Its combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and sweet pineapple over rice, drizzled with homemade teriyaki sauce, makes it a delightful meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings for a wholesome and delicious meal.

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