Easy Island-Style Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Tropical flavors dance on your plate with this mouthwatering pineapple chicken and rice recipe that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks elevate tender chicken to new heights of deliciousness.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet elements that will transport you to a sunny paradise.

The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Weeknight meals just got a whole lot more interesting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Great Sides for Serving with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Dinner Party: Invite friends over and create a festive island-inspired meal atmosphere with colorful plates and tropical music playing softly in the background.
• Sweet and Tangy Plating: Arrange the chicken and rice in a shallow bowl, drizzle extra pineapple juice on top for added moisture and brightness, creating an appealing visual presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair this dish with a light side salad or steamed edamame to increase protein intake and add extra nutritional balance to the meal.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining chicken and rice in airtight containers for quick lunch meal prep, which stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully in the microwave.

Storing and Reheating Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rice and chicken mixture sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with other varieties like basmati or long-grain white rice. Just adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this pineapple chicken recipe is mild and savory. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe with other proteins?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• Is this a gluten-free recipe?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure dietary compliance.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: What Makes It Special

• Packed with vibrant ingredients that create a tantalizing taste experience, this one-pan wonder delivers sweet, savory, and aromatic notes in every bite.
• Minimal cleanup with a single skillet approach that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Delivers a nutritious, protein-rich dinner that appeals to both adults and kids, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to match personal preferences or pantry availability, perfect for creative home cooks.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Rice

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful base for the recipe.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a crisp, light finish to the dish.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy undertone to enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and vegetables with a smooth, rich base.
• Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that brings a tangy and juicy element to the chicken.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant rice that serves as the perfect foundation for the meal.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the rice.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami seasoning to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds texture and nutty flavor.

Tools and Utensils for Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, vegetables, and rice in one pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping chicken, onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Lid: Covers skillet while simmering rice to trap steam.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice at Home

Step 1: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chicken cubes and cook until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Cook the vegetables until they become tender and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Introduce Tangy Pineapple

Fold in fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Rice Base

• Jasmine rice
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Freshly grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Gently Steam Rice

Lower the heat to the lowest setting, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes until it’s perfectly cooked and fluffy.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken And Vegetables

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, gently mix everything together, and warm through.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Plate and enjoy your tropical culinary creation!

Tips for Pineapple Chicken Rice with Perfect Texture

• Marinate chicken cubes in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
• Toast rice in skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent mushiness.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for brighter taste and firmer texture compared to canned varieties.
• Let rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to absorb remaining moisture and achieve perfect fluffy consistency.
• Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for versatile meal options that maintain the dish's tropical essence.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Creative Variations to Try

• Tropical Tofu Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same cooking method and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap jasmine rice with riced cauliflower to create a low-carb alternative that keeps the pineapple chicken essence.
• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Bowl: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mango Remix: Substitute pineapple with fresh mango chunks and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a different tropical heat.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pineapple chicken and rice showcases tropical flavors from Hawaiian cuisine. Juicy chicken pieces glazed with sweet-tangy sauce complement fluffy rice, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) pineapple, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) green onions, sliced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (200 grams) jasmine rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken cubes in olive oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until vegetables become tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Add jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the rice to simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring liquid is absorbed and rice becomes fluffy.
6. Gently reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, carefully mixing to distribute ingredients evenly and reheat the protein.
7. Plate the dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Chicken by cutting uniform cubes and using medium heat to ensure golden exterior and juicy interior.
• Enhance Flavor Depth by caramelizing vegetables slightly before adding pineapple for richer taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Control Moisture Levels by draining pineapple chunks to prevent excess liquid affecting rice texture during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg