How to Make the Perfect Hawaiian Rice Bowls
Hawaiian · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
These Hawaiian rice bowls are a kid friendly recipe inspired by the tropical flavors of the islands featuring sweet pineapple chicken over fluffy rice. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this one of the most popular kid approved dinner ideas for busy weeknights.
Why this recipe works
This Hawaiian Rice Bowls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups white rice cooked
- 0.5 cup frozen corn kernels thawed
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Hawaiian Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This simple two-ingredient sauce is the key to the sweet and savory Hawaiian flavor kids love.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil and cook the diced chicken for 7 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through completely.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce
Add the pineapple chunks and corn to the pan followed by the honey soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the chicken.
Step 4: Build the Bowls
Scoop cooked white rice into bowls and top generously with the saucy Hawaiian chicken and pineapple mixture. Serve warm and garnish with extra pineapple if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken breast → diced ham for a more traditional Hawaiian plate lunch flavor
- white rice → brown rice or cauliflower rice for a more nutritious base
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pineapple in heavy syrup instead of juice-packed which makes the sauce overly sweet
- Cooking the sauce on too high heat which causes it to burn quickly due to the honey content
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 26g protein, 58g carbs, 9g fat, 2g fiber.
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