Description
This Hawaiian Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory pineapple-based sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh pineapple chunks. Cooked effortlessly in an air fryer, this dish is served over fragrant jasmine rice and garnished with crisp cucumber, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and freshness. Perfect for a quick, high-protein dinner that brings tropical flair to your table.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Marinade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, or tamari if gluten-free
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp fresh pineapple juice (drained from the package or mashed pineapple chunks)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
For the Bowls
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ small red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil (used only if stovetop cooking method is chosen)
- 1 pouch microwave jasmine rice
- Thinly sliced cucumber, for garnish
- Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce (or tamari), ketchup, fresh pineapple juice, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix well to create a flavorful Hawaiian marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chopped chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes while you prepare the vegetables and pineapple.
- Air fry the chicken and veggies: Place the marinated chicken, along with red and green bell peppers, red onion chunks, and pineapple chunks, in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Cook the jasmine rice: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, heat the microwave pouch of jasmine rice according to package instructions until hot and fluffy.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice between two bowls. Top with the air-fried chicken, vegetables, and pineapple.
- Add garnishes: Finish by adding thinly sliced cucumber, green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to each bowl for fresh flavor and a nice crunch.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Bowls immediately, enjoying the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- If you prefer, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier.
- The olive oil is optional and only used if cooking on the stovetop instead of the air fryer.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To add heat, consider a drizzle of sriracha or red chili flakes as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
