Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that combines the best of Asian-inspired cooking with a tropical Hawaiian flair! This Hawaiian Chicken Fried Rice isn't just another ordinary rice dish – it's a flavor explosion that will make your dinner table come alive with excitement. Imagine perfectly golden chicken, sweet bursts of pineapple, and a symphony of vegetables, all dancing together in a deliciously seasoned rice medley that's guaranteed to become your new favorite comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes and chopping green onions. Ensure rice is cooked and cooled to room temperature.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Push cooked chicken to one side of the pan and pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble eggs quickly, breaking them into small pieces as they cook.
- Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry with chicken and eggs for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps and mixing thoroughly with chicken, eggs, and vegetables.
- Gently fold in pineapple chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the fried rice.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even seasoning and prevent burning.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing rice to develop a slight crispy texture and absorb flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, optionally with additional soy sauce on the side for extra seasoning.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and make your fried rice soggy. Cold, day-old rice separates easily and creates that perfect crispy texture.
- High heat is key: Ensure your wok or skillet is hot enough to create a slight sear on the chicken and rice, which develops a delicious caramelized flavor.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking: Fried rice comes together quickly, so have everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of frying.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired profile.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned wok to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg