Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Tropical Dinner Joy

Vibrant and zesty pineapple chicken sparks excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Sweet tropical notes dance through tender meat and fluffy grains.

Juicy chunks of fruit bring unexpected brightness to classic comfort food.

Quick weeknight meals demand something special, and this combination delivers deliciousness effortlessly.

Fresh ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure that feels both familiar and innovative.

Colorful plates invite you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.

Gather your skillet and let’s create something memorable tonight.

Chicken and Rice with Pineapple Flavor That’s Sweet and Simple

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: This recipe offers a speedy solution for busy weeknights, letting you prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes without complicated techniques.
• Boost Flavor Combinations: The sweet pineapple perfectly balances the savory chicken and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering tropical-inspired dish that delights taste buds with every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can effortlessly adapt this recipe by swapping bell peppers, using different proteins, or adding extra spices to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Using just one skillet means less washing up, making this meal not only tasty but also incredibly convenient for families and home chefs looking to minimize kitchen mess.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the hearty base of the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the chicken.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that create a bold flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and colorful texture.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh garnish for bright finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and sauté vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances overall dish flavor.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides natural sweetness and tropical character.
• Honey: Adds additional sweetness and helps caramelize the dish.
• Pineapple Chunks: Brings sweet and tangy tropical element.

• Rice: Core starch that makes the meal substantial.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.

Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice That’s Sweet and Savory

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced chicken and cook until golden and fully done, moving pieces around to ensure even cooking. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Chopped bell pepper

Sauté the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until they release their wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Rice Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Reserved pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is completely absorbed.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Chicken

Fold in the previously cooked chicken and drained pineapple chunks. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sliced green onions on top. Season with salt and pepper to personal taste. Serve hot and savor the tropical flavors.

Pineapple Chicken Rice Tips for Weeknight Meals

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in juicy flavors.
• Balance Liquid Ratio: Carefully measure pineapple juice and chicken broth to prevent mushy or dry rice, creating a perfectly textured dish.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to develop a nutty, rich undertone that elevates the overall taste.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and honey for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper, more complex flavors into the meat.

Chicken Rice Bowl With Pineapple How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pineapple Chicken with Rice Pairings

• Boost Tropical Vibes: Serve chilled coconut water or a light Mai Tai cocktail to complement the sweet-savory chicken.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Pour a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer white wine that matches the recipe's sweet and tangy notes.
• Create Balanced Meal: Add a refreshing cucumber-mint salad on the side to provide a cool contrast to the warm, rich chicken dish.
• Elevate Dining Experience: Select a fruity craft beer like a pineapple-infused ale that mirrors the tropical ingredients in the recipe.

Chicken Rice Dinner Options with Pineapple Sweetness

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use certified gluten-free rice to ensure full dietary compatibility.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cut protein into cubes and use same cooking method as original recipe.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Select reduced-sodium soy sauce to minimize overall sodium content.
• Spicy Tropical Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during sautéing stage. Include a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and 35-45 minutes to cook properly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to ensure no gluten-containing products are used.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work perfectly. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred heat level without overwhelming the dish’s sweet and savory balance.

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings island flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Juicy chicken nestled among fluffy rice creates a delightful meal that transports you to a beachside paradise with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or ground

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup (36 grams) green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup (185 grams) jasmine or basmati rice, uncooked

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Instructions

1. Warm the skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then carefully sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and diced bell peppers, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce rice, chicken broth, reserved pineapple liquid, soy sauce, and honey into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
4. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to its lowest setting. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to gently simmer, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender over 15-18 minutes.
5. Fold the previously cooked chicken and tropical pineapple chunks into the rice mixture, heating everything uniformly for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions across the top. Delicately adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
• Keep chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that’s been cooled for best absorption of flavors and optimal moisture.
• Consider reducing honey for a less sweet version or increasing for those who prefer more caramelized notes in the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg