I’ve got to tell you, I’m completely hooked on this Hawaiian-inspired chicken poke bowl recipe. The first time I made it, you could say it was love at first bite. The combination of marinated chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and that bold tang of pineapple creates a dish that feels like a tropical breeze on your plate.

It’s a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, and making it is just as delightful as eating it. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between health-conscious and indulgence, and trust me, you’ll want to make this a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this flavorful dish to life. Each ingredient has a purpose, so make sure to grab the fresh and best-quality options for the ultimate poke bowl.

1 ½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes (thighs stay juicier during cooking).
¾ cup pineapple juice (adds sweetness and tropical flavor).
¼ cup soy sauce (opt for low-sodium to control the salt level).
1 tablespoon sesame oil (for a nutty aroma).
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (balances out the acidity).
1 tablespoon ketchup (helps thicken the marinade).
2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for depth).
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (bright and aromatic).

3 cups cooked jasmine rice or sushi rice (the sticky texture works perfectly).
1 cup diced pineapple (fresh pineapple tastes much sweeter than canned).
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (refreshing crunch).
1 cup shelled edamame, cooked (packed with protein).
1 avocado, diced (adds a creamy element).
1 carrot, julienned (for color and texture).
2 green onions, chopped (use the green part only for garnish).
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted (enhances the nutty flavor).

For the sauce

¼ cup mayonnaise (use light mayo for fewer calories).
1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance).
1-2 teaspoons water (thins the sauce for drizzling).

Note: This recipe serves 4 generous portions.

Variations

Looking to customize? Here are some fun ways to make this recipe work for different dietary needs or preferences.

Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Dairy-Free: Opt for a vegan mayo for the sauce.
Pescatarian: Swap the chicken with seared tuna or salmon.
Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice.
Extra Crunch: Add crispy wonton strips or crushed macadamia nuts.\

For a comforting side dish, consider our Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe.

Cooking Time

Keep this timeline in mind for planning your meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these simple tools to help you cook efficiently.

Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and making sauces.
Grill pan or skillet: Perfect for cooking the chicken evenly.
Rice cooker: Makes preparing rice a breeze.
Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables and cubing chicken.
Cutting board: To prepare all your ingredients safely.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl?

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make a delicious Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant ingredients:

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken

Start by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ketchup, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Add the cubed chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. This step is key to infusing the chicken with tropical flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, cook the rice according to package instructions. If using jasmine or sushi rice, rinse it well to remove excess starch before cooking. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it on the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The caramelized bits are what makes grilled chicken irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of cooked rice in your bowl. Then layer on the grilled chicken, pineapple, cucumber, edamame, avocado, and carrots. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for the final touch.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that take this recipe to the next level.

Slice your vegetables as thinly as possible for even bites.
Use fresh pineapple; it’s sweeter and juicier than canned.
Don’t skip toasting the sesame seeds. It only takes a couple of minutes but adds incredible flavor.
If you like a smoky flavor, consider grilling the pineapple alongside the chicken.
For a glossy, sticky coating, baste the chicken with leftover marinade as it cooks, then discard any unused marinade.

If you’re looking for another grilled chicken idea, try our Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Poke Bowl?

The presentation is just as important as the flavors. Use shallow bowls to display the ingredients artistically. Create separate sections for each topping rather than piling everything together. To elevate the visual appeal, garnish with extra sesame seeds, a wedge of lime, or even a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.

Nutritional Information

Calories	520
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	15g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Refrigerate any leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Avoid freezing this dish, as the textures of the fresh ingredients like cucumber and avocado will change.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave. Assemble the bowl fresh with cold toppings when ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe.

Flavor-Packed: Each bite combines sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy elements.
Customizable: It’s easy to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Healthy: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and wholesome carbs.
Quick to Prepare: You can have it ready in just 35 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Take note of these common pitfalls to ensure your poke bowl turns out perfectly.

Skipping the Marinade: The marinade infuses essential flavors into the chicken. Don’t rush this step!
Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the grill to prevent dry chicken. Thighs are more forgiving than breasts.
Using the Wrong Rice: Avoid long-grain rice; its texture doesn’t hold up in poke bowls.

Preparing a Hawaiian-inspired chicken poke bowl is easier than you think and offers a delightful taste of the tropics. Follow this recipe step-by-step, and you’ll have a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

For more chicken-based recipes, check out our Chicken Recipes.

Ash Tyrrell