Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and perfectly crispy rice - all in just 35 minutes! This copycat Kona Grill Hawaiian Chicken Fried Rice is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal that brings the essence of Hawaiian cuisine right to your dinner table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality recipe that's surprisingly easy to make at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions
- Begin by cooking rice according to package instructions. For best results, use day-old rice or cook rice and let it cool completely to prevent clumping.
- Cut chicken breast into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Allow oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, spreading pieces evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink interior.
- Add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are heated and slightly softened.
- Push chicken and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add cooked rice to the empty side and let it crisp for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently mix rice, chicken, and vegetables together. Pour soy sauce evenly over the mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add diced pineapple and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to integrate flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra soy sauce or sesame oil to enhance flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's been completely cooled to prevent sticky, mushy fried rice.
- Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature restaurant-style wok hei flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary to get the perfect crisp on your chicken and vegetables.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of garlic or ginger when sautéing the chicken.
- If you want a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
