Juicy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Tropical Dinner Win

Pineapple chicken and rice converts ordinary weeknight meals into a culinary adventure that dances between sweet and savory.

Tropical notes intertwine with succulent proteins, creating a harmonious blend that excites your palate.

Each forkful promises a burst of refreshing flavor that elevates the classic protein-and-grain combination.

Bright and zesty ingredients mingle, promising a satisfying dining experience that feels both comforting and exotic.

Tender meat absorbs the vibrant pineapple essence, turning a simple recipe into something extraordinary.

Balanced flavors promise a meal that will delight your senses and surprise your taste buds.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet and Savory Meal

• Savor Quick Tropical Fusion: Blend sweet pineapple with tender chicken and aromatic jasmine rice creates a lightning-fast dinner that transports your taste buds to island paradise without complicated cooking techniques.
• Maximize One-Pan Convenience: This recipe eliminates multiple dish cleanup by strategically using the same skillet for sautéing chicken, vegetables, and cooking rice, making weeknight meal preparation effortless and streamlined.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with 30g protein, balanced carbohydrates, and vibrant produce, this dish delivers a complete nutritional profile that supports energy levels and satisfies hunger with delicious, wholesome ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for personalized meal preferences and creative home cooks.

Essential Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the rice, can use low-sodium version for healthier option.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor base, adds texture and nutritional value.
• Pineapple Chunks: Brings sweet and tangy flavor, fresh or canned work well for this recipe.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish to the dish.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant rice variety that complements the chicken and pineapple, provides soft and fluffy texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness, helps to season the entire dish.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and nutty flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper

Cook until vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Pineapple

Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for 2 minutes to release their sweet flavor.

Step 4: Cook Rice and Seasonings

• Jasmine rice
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer Rice

Lower heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Cook until rice is tender and liquid is completely absorbed.

Step 6: Combine Chicken

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and heat through to blend all flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pineapple chicken and rice dish.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in juicy flavors.
• Balance Pineapple Sweetness: Choose ripe but firm pineapple chunks to add a bright, tangy note without making the dish too sweet.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast ginger and garlic briefly in the skillet to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste.
• Layer Garnish Strategically: Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated pineapple chicken and rice will stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth over the rice to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Refresh: Revive cold leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Gently stir and warm for 3-5 minutes until heated completely.

Pairing Pineapple Chicken and Rice with Vegetables

• Tropical Beer Companion: Pair this zesty pineapple chicken with a light, crisp Hawaiian or wheat beer to complement the sweet and savory flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Refreshing Wine Selection: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that matches the pineapple's tropical notes and balances the soy sauce's saltiness with its fruity undertones.
• Citrus Mocktail Match: Create a fresh pineapple-ginger mocktail with sparkling water, which echoes the dish's bright ingredients and provides a cool, zesty counterpoint to the warm rice and chicken.
• Cucumber Mint Side Salad: Prepare a light, crisp side salad with cucumber, mint, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast to the rich, sweet-savory main course.

Creative Variations of Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a splash of coconut milk for a richer, more tropical flavor profile.
• Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Incorporate red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to give the dish a bold, fiery kick that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Swap jasmine rice for couscous, add oregano and lemon zest, and include kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish with a zesty twist.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Blend in mild curry powder and use coconut rice instead of jasmine rice, creating a creamy, aromatic variation that brings warmth and depth to the original recipe.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings tropical Hawaiian flavors to your dinner table with juicy chicken and tangy sweet pineapple. Simmered in a rich sauce and served over fluffy rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet that transports diners to island paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into cubes

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) green onions, sliced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, drizzling of olive oil across the surface.
2. Add diced chicken pieces, cooking continuously until each cube transforms to a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete internal doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Transfer cooked chicken onto a separate plate, maintaining warmth and preserving juiciness.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
5. Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks, allowing them to caramelize and release natural sweetness for 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour jasmine rice into the skillet, followed by chicken broth, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, stirring to combine ingredients evenly.
7. Increase heat momentarily, bringing the mixture to a robust boil while constantly monitoring.
8. Reduce heat to lowest setting, securely cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow rice to simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes.
9. Verify rice tenderness and liquid absorption by gently fluffing with a fork.
10. Reintroduce reserved chicken pieces, carefully folding them into the rice mixture to distribute heat and flavors uniformly.
11. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds across the top for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cutting chicken and chopping vegetables to streamline cooking process.
• Jasmine rice offers delicate floral aroma and fluffy texture perfect for absorbing savory sauce.
• Pineapple adds brightness and natural sweetness, balancing soy sauce’s salty depth.
• Use fresh ginger for more intense, zesty flavor compared to dried ground versions.
• Sesame seeds provide delightful nutty crunch and enhance visual appeal of final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg