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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls combine grilled BBQ chicken, creamy coconut rice, and fresh mango salsa.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • ½ cup coconut aminos
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 garlic cloves grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

Mango Salsa

  • 1 mango finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Coconut Rice

  • 1 cup rice
  • ¾ cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Garnish

  • Lime wedges
  • Extra chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, ketchup, pineapple juice, lime zest, cumin, garlic salt, grated garlic, and ginger.
  • Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting.
  • Coat the chicken with the remaining marinade and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
  • Prepare the mango salsa by combining the chopped mango, bell pepper, jalapeño, shallot, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.
  • Combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  • Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Preheat a grill to 400–450°F and lightly oil the grates.
  • Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade during the final minute on each side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • If you don't have a grill, pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
  • Assemble the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls by layering coconut rice, sliced chicken, and generous spoonfuls of mango salsa. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime wedges.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs.
  • Add grilled pineapple for extra sweetness.
  • Try quinoa instead of rice for additional protein.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or cucumber salad.
  • Leftover mango salsa is delicious with grilled fish or tacos.