Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl

If you’re looking for a deliciously fresh meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! This Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl is one of my all-time favorites. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and just perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of succulent chicken, sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies creates a delightful harmony of tastes that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

What I love most about this poke bowl is how customizable it is! You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal without feeling like you’re sacrificing anything in the flavor department!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant dish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Fresh and flavorful: Each bite bursts with a mix of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the islands.
• Family-friendly: Kids love building their own bowls with all the colorful elements; it makes mealtime fun!
• Meal prep friendly: Make extra portions and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge!
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer—there are no strict rules here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl features simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. Gather these goodies for a colorful and tasty meal:

For the Base

• 640g (22.5oz) of cooked jasmine rice or sushi rice
• 155g (1 cup) of cooked edamame beans

For the Chicken

• 600g (21oz) of uncooked boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of visible fat and diced
• 2 teaspoons of grated garlic
• 2 teaspoons of grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of shaoxing apple vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (puree)
• 120ml (1/2 cup) of pineapple juice (from a carton)
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil

For Toppings

• 200g (7oz) of fresh pineapple, diced
• 140g (4.9oz) of avocado, diced
• small red onion, halved and sliced thinly
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 spring onions, sliced (green part only)
• 2 baby cucumbers, halved and sliced
• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds

For the Spicy Mayo

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of light mayo
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha
• 1-2 tablespoon of water

Variations

One great thing about this Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl is its flexibility! You can play around with flavors and textures to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some shredded cabbage or crunchy radishes for extra texture.
• Change up the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique flavor profile.
• Go tropical: Add mango or papaya for an even sweeter taste that complements the pineapple beautifully.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together the light mayonnaise and sriracha. Add a little water until you reach your desired consistency—this will be perfect for drizzling over your bowl later. Setting this aside now means you can focus on building your poke bowl later!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In another small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, Shaoxing apple vinegar, pineapple juice, tomato paste, sesame oil, and sriracha. This marinade adds layers of flavor to our chicken while keeping it juicy—it’s essential for that sweet-savory kick!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with low-calorie spray. Add in your diced chicken along with garlic, ginger, and onion powder. Fry this mixture while turning occasionally until golden brown—this step is key as it gives your chicken that wonderful caramelization!

Step 4: Combine With Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce into the frying pan once the chicken is browned. Heat until it starts bubbling; then add back in your chicken. Let it cook until everything reduces down into a sticky glaze—this will coat your chicken beautifully!

Step 5: Build Your Bowl

Now comes the fun part! Start by adding warm cooked rice to each serving bowl. Sprinkle your delicious caramelized chicken on top along with cucumber slices, diced pineapple, avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, julienned carrot, cooked edamame beans, and green onions.

Step 6: Drizzle & Enjoy!

Finally, drizzle that spicy mayo over everything for an added kick! Take a moment to admire your creation before diving in—each bite is sure to be a burst of flavor and freshness.

Now grab your loved ones or enjoy this delightful bowl solo; either way, happiness awaits!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl

Creating the perfect Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you master this delicious dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and ripe fruits like avocado and pineapple enhance the overall flavor and texture of your poke bowl, making it more vibrant and enjoyable.

• Cook the chicken thoroughly: Ensure that your chicken is cooked until golden brown and caramelized. This not only adds depth of flavor but also makes for a more appealing presentation.

• Adjust the spicy mayo: Feel free to customize the level of spiciness in your mayo by varying the amount of sriracha. It’s a great way to cater to different taste preferences!

• Layer your ingredients thoughtfully: When assembling your bowl, layer each component instead of mixing everything together. This keeps flavors distinct and visually appealing, inviting everyone to dig in.

• Get creative with toppings: Don’t hesitate to add other toppings like seaweed salad or pickled vegetables for an extra kick and variety in taste and texture.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl

Presentation is key when serving your Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl! Not only does it make the dish look incredibly appetizing, but it also enhances the dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Lime wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their poke bowl, adding a zesty brightness that elevates all the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Seaweed salad: This refreshing dish brings a unique umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the poke bowl’s sweetness from the pineapple.
• Miso soup: A light miso soup can provide a comforting contrast to the heartiness of the poke bowl while enhancing the Asian theme.
• Edamame: Lightly salted edamame can serve as a protein-rich snack that complements your meal without overpowering it.
• Cucumber salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds a crunchy texture and balances out the richness of the chicken.

Enjoy building your Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl experience, from preparation to presentation! Each bite will be a delightful celebration of flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh and delicious flavors throughout the week. With ingredients that hold up well in the fridge, you can save time on busy days without sacrificing taste.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover poke bowl components separately to maintain freshness.
• Keep cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store rice in a separate container, as it can become sticky if left with the other ingredients.
• Fresh vegetables and avocado should be consumed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

• While it’s best to consume this dish fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce together.
• Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date.
• For best taste, use frozen chicken within 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a little water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful recipe, here are some common questions!

Can I make a Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl with tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute diced tofu for chicken. Simply marinate it in the same sauce before cooking for a flavorful vegetarian option.

How do I customize my Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl?

Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies! You can add bell peppers, radishes, or even seaweed salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

What makes the Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl special?

This bowl is bursting with vibrant flavors from juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and fresh veggies, making it a wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Can I prepare the Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can pre-cook the chicken and prepare your veggies for an easy assembly when you’re ready to eat. Just store everything separately until it’s time to serve.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl brings joy to your kitchen! Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Enjoy every delicious bite!