Hawaiian Chicken Bowls (Sweet & Savory)
Hawaiian Chicken Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and well-balanced meal that combines tender chicken, sweet caramelized pineapple, and crisp vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.With its customizable ingredients and vibrant tropical flavors, it’s a satisfying recipe that brings a fresh twist to your everyday dinner routine.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Caramelize the Pineapple
- In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks. Cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring too much, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 more minute.
Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the chicken, pineapple, and vegetable mixture.
Add Toppings and Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve warm.