Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in a tropical pineapple glaze served on skewers with fragrant coconut rice, inspired by the southernmost US capital, Honolulu. This hawaiian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, pineapple juice, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Hawaiian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, rinse 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
  5. Step 5: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Fluff coconut rice with a fork and serve chicken skewers over rice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pineapple juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honolulu Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?

Hawaiian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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