Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe

If you’re looking for a colorful and delicious meal that’s quick to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it brings a taste of tropical paradise straight to your kitchen. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The best part? You can customize it however you like!

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a healthy meal, this poke bowl checks all the boxes. It’s not only satisfying but also fun to assemble, letting you get creative with colorful toppings. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good poke bowl, and this version is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time for an effortless dinner option on those hectic nights.
• Endless customization: Feel free to swap ingredients according to your taste—there’s no wrong way to build your bowl!
• Bursting with flavor: The combination of tender chicken and fresh toppings creates a delicious balance that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the spicy mayo:

• 4 tablespoons of light mayo
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha
• 1-2 tablespoons of water

For the chicken:

• 600g 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)
• 100ml of pineapple juice (from a carton)
• 2 teaspoons of sriracha
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil

For the bowl:

• 640g of cooked jasmine rice or sushi rice
• 200g (7oz) of fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 cup of cooked edamame beans
• small red onion, halved and sliced thinly
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 140g of avocado, diced
• 3 spring onions, sliced (green part only)
• 2 baby cucumbers, halved and sliced
• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds

Variations

One great thing about poke bowls is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix it up depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

• Swap the protein: Try using grilled shrimp or tofu instead for a different twist on this classic dish.
• Change up the base: If you’re not into rice, consider quinoa or even a bed of greens for a lighter option.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some radishes or sliced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Go tropical: Add mango or coconut flakes for an even sweeter taste that captures those island vibes.

How to Make Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together the light mayonnaise and sriracha. This zesty sauce adds a creamy kick that perfectly complements all the other fresh flavors in your poke bowl. Adjust the consistency with water until it’s just right for drizzling over your creations. Set it aside while we work on the chicken.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In another small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, shaoxing apple vinegar, pineapple juice, tomato paste, sesame oil, and sriracha. This sauce will bring all those sweet and savory notes together when we cook our chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and spray it with low-calorie spray. Add in diced chicken along with garlic, ginger, and onion powder. Fry everything until the chicken is golden brown. Removing it from the pan ensures we can soak up all that delicious flavor in our next step.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour that flavorful sauce into your frying pan until it starts bubbling gently. Add the chicken back in and let it simmer until it caramelizes beautifully. This step is crucial; you want that sticky goodness coating every piece!

Step 5: Assemble Your Poke Bowl

Start by adding cooked rice into each bowl—reheat if necessary! Then sprinkle your luscious chicken on top along with cucumber slices, diced pineapple, avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, julienned carrot, edamame beans, and green onions. It’s like creating your own edible masterpiece!

Step 6: Drizzle with Spicy Mayo & Enjoy!

Finally, drizzle that spicy mayo over everything for an extra burst of flavor. Take a moment to admire your creation before diving in—enjoy every bite!

Now you have a beautiful Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl ready to share or savor all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe

Creating a delicious poke bowl is all about the little details, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and fruits like pineapple and avocado not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your poke bowl, making it visually appealing.
• Marinate the chicken longer: If time allows, marinating the chicken for an hour or even overnight helps to infuse more flavor into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to swap out or add any of your favorite vegetables or proteins. This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to get creative with what you have on hand.
• Serve with warm rice: Serving the poke bowl with warm rice creates a comforting contrast to the cool toppings and enhances the overall experience.
• Experiment with sauces: Don’t hesitate to mix up the sauces! Try adding a tangy ponzu sauce or even a sweet chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe

This Hawaiian-inspired poke bowl is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh herbaceous note that complements the flavors of the bowl beautifully.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before eating brightens up all the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Pickled ginger: This tangy addition can cleanse your palate between bites and adds an intriguing flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Seaweed salad: A refreshing side that pairs well with the poke bowl, offering unique umami flavors and a chewy texture.
• Miso soup: Light and comforting, this warm soup can be a great addition to complement your meal without overwhelming it.
• Crispy vegetable spring rolls: These provide a crunchy bite that balances out the soft textures in your poke bowl.
• Tropical fruit salad: A light, refreshing salad made from seasonal fruits like mango, kiwi, and papaya can be a sweet end to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that’s reminiscent of sunny Hawaii. Enjoy making your Hawaiian inspired chicken poke bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal throughout the week. You can prepare some components in advance, ensuring that your busy days are filled with wholesome goodness without the stress of last-minute cooking.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Keep the spicy mayo in a separate container to maintain its texture.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Make sure to label with the date; frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Note that fresh vegetables should not be frozen, so consider adding them fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through; add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
• Assemble your poke bowl with freshly cooked rice and cold toppings for a delightful contrast.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some common queries that might help you out.

Can I make this Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option while keeping all the vibrant flavors intact.

What makes this Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe special?

The unique combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and zesty spices creates an exciting flavor profile that transports you straight to Hawaii—right from your kitchen!

How long does it take to prepare this Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe?

With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have this flavorful dish ready in about 35 minutes!

Can I customize the toppings for my poke bowl?

Yes! The beauty of poke bowls lies in their versatility. Feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on your preferences—think colorful bell peppers, radishes, or even quinoa instead of rice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hawaiian Inspired Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of the tropics into your home while being flexible enough for everyone’s palate. Whether you’re prepping meals for busy weekdays or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to delight. Happy cooking!