WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful dish that brings together juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice. It is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. The marinade infuses the chicken with a blend of savory and sweet notes that tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone looking to enjoy a good meal, this recipe is for you.
HOW TO MAKE Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 kilograms boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
- 120 grams light brown sugar, packed
- 120 millilitres ketchup
- 240 millilitres canned pineapple juice (do not use fresh)
- 120 millilitres light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Vegetable oil for grilling
- Sliced green onions for garnish
DIRECTIONS
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Start by preparing the marinade. In a large resealable bag, combine the light brown sugar, ketchup, canned pineapple juice, light soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.
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Reserve 120 millilitres of this marinade and set it aside in the refrigerator. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade in the bag. Make sure you coat the chicken evenly. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
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When you are ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. This step helps in an even cooking process.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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Place the chicken on the grill. Cook it for about 6 minutes on the first side. After that, flip the chicken and grill for approximately 3 minutes. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade, flip it again, and keep cooking while turning and basting every 1–2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This should take about 15–16 minutes in total.
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
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While the chicken rests, you can grill the fresh pineapple slices. Place them on the grill and cook for about 1–2 minutes on each side until you see grill marks.
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Now it’s time to serve! Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over steamed rice. Add the grilled pineapple beside it. Finish the dish with a garnish of sliced green onions.
HOW TO SERVE Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
Serving a Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl is all about presentation and flavor. Begin by placing a generous serving of steamed rice in a bowl. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top or beside the rice. Add some of the charred pineapple slices for sweetness. You can add fresh vegetables like steamed broccoli or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch. This dish is not only pleasing to the eye but full of delicious flavors.
HOW TO STORE Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
If you have any leftovers, it’s easy to store them for another meal. Make sure the grilled chicken and rice cool down to room temperature. Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. You can separate them if you prefer. The Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and rice together or separately. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
TIPS TO MAKE Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
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Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.
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Grill Marks: To get those attractive grill marks on your chicken, make sure the grill is properly heated before placing the meat on it.
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Keep It Juicy: Don’t skip the resting step after grilling. Letting the chicken rest will keep it juicy as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
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Customize Your Rice: Try using different types of rice like jasmine, basmati, or even quinoa for a fun twist.
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Add Veggies: Feel free to throw some veggies on the grill, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add more nutrients and flavor.
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Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, you can easily slice it up to use in salads or wraps for lunch.
VARIATIONS
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Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a little heat.
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Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as a garnish for added freshness.
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Alternative Sauces: Consider using teriyaki sauce instead of the barbeque flavors for a different twist.
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Rice Alternatives: Instead of white rice, you can try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
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Fruit Variations: You may substitute the fresh pineapple with other fruits like peaches or mango for a different flavor experience.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and be careful not to overcook. -
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate the chicken. -
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You may also want to serve it with a side of sesame green beans for extra flavor. -
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. -
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same mixture for a delicious vegetarian option.