Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Quinoa

To me, there is nothing better than grilling season! Trying to convince my hubby that we need to take a vacation to San Diego or Hawaii soon prompted this tropical delight. If you have ever been to Hawaii than you know there is no pineapple like Hawaiian pineapple. This recipe was inspired from a blog called Ambitious Kitchen and her Brown Sugar Salmon. I had chicken ready to cook, so I improvised and like I have said over and over again, I NEVER follow a recipe. I just add a little of this and a little of that and hope it turns out like it should. That is the fun part of cooking! This is a complete dinner that is sure to please everyone. This served 2.

What you will need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp fresh grated ginger- I use the stuff in the tube

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp red chili pepper flakes

Instead of getting out a bowl, I just placed my chicken in a large Ziploc bag and poured all ingredients into the bag and mix and mash well. Allow chicken to sit in the marinade 2-8 hours. I kept mine in the fridge for 2 hours and it was fantastic!

For the Quinoa:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1-1 1/2 cups coconut milk- can use light if you want

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup chopped yellow onion

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

Fresh lime juice to squeeze over chicken and quinoa before serving

1.) Bring water and coconut milk to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low once boiling, add quinoa and cover, simmering until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. cut Set aside. Cooking quinoa takes appx. 15 minutes so start it when you fire up the grill.

For your fruit and veggies:

2 cans pineapple chunks

1 medium zuchinni

salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil

1.) Grill your chicken, pineapple, and zucchini for that yummy sweet char taste.

2.) Serve your chicken on top of the quinoa, squeeze fresh lime juice over each plate. Grilled pineapple has to be the best thing ever! Enjoy :)