Imagine a dish that transports you to the sunny beaches of Hawaii with every single bite - a culinary journey that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the savory richness of chicken, and the comforting embrace of cheesy rice. This Hawaiian Chicken and Rice Casserole isn't just a meal; it's a vacation on a plate that will make your taste buds dance with tropical excitement! Whether you're craving a quick family dinner or looking to impress guests with an exotic twist, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken breast, pineapple chunks, and sliced green onions. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce and minced ginger. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out while it cooks.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Tips
- Use day-old rice for best texture - slightly dried rice absorbs flavors more effectively and prevents a mushy casserole.
- Ensure chicken is diced into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant taste.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust.
- Don't skip letting the casserole rest after baking - this helps the dish set and makes serving much easier.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick of heat to complement the sweet pineapple.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
