If you’re looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates the tropical flavors of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is the perfect choice. This meal is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate, bringing together juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty marinade.

Why Make This Recipe

The Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is an excellent recipe for various reasons. It’s not only healthy but also highly customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite ingredients. This bowl is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s gluten-free (when using tamari) and fits well within a balanced diet. The combination of protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and hearty grains like brown rice or quinoa makes this a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

Making the Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. You’ll marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor, grill it to perfection, and then assemble all the components in a beautiful bowl.

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts (Halal-certified)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or ground)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups cooked brown rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
½ cup cucumber, sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chili flakes, a squeeze of lime juice

Directions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 1 hour preferred).
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest before slicing.
Cook the Rice/Quinoa: While the chicken marinates, cook your rice or quinoa according to the package instructions.
Prep the Veggies: Slice the avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes. Shred the carrots and cabbage. Chop the cilantro and green onions.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, pineapple, avocado, shredded carrots, cabbage, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Bowl warm, allowing the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients to shine. Each bowl can be further customized with additional toppings like extra lime juice or your choice of nuts for added crunch.

How to Store Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

You can store any leftover Hawaiian Chicken Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prepared the components separately, it’s best to store them that way to ensure everything remains fresh.

Tips to Make Hawaiian Chicken Bowl

Consider marinating the chicken overnight for a deeper flavor.
Use a mix of fresh herbs as a garnish to elevate the taste.
Choose ripe avocados for creaminess and flavor.
Adjust the amount of honey in the marinade based on your sweetness preference.

Variation

Feel free to make this recipe your own! You can swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein source. Additionally, you can use a variety of vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

FAQs

Can I make the Hawaiian Chicken Bowl vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
What other grains can I use in this recipe?
You can use brown rice, quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
How spicy can I make the dish?
You can add more chili flakes or include sliced jalapeños to ramp up the heat. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I use frozen pineapple?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor, frozen pineapple can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to your bowl.