Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that delight the whole table.

This zesty pineapple chicken and rice recipe brings tropical sunshine to your plate with minimal effort.

Tender chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements fluffy rice grains.

Bold pineapple chunks infuse each bite with bright, juicy notes that dance across your palate.

The combination creates a balanced meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques make this dish a weeknight champion.

You’ll savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing culinary adventure.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice instead of jasmine rice?

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

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this pineapple chicken and rice recipe is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile from the pineapple and soy sauce, with mild seasonings.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave. The flavors often taste even better the next day.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including additional chicken, tofu cubes, or scrambling an egg into the rice during the final cooking stage for more nutritional value.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chicken Rice

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: Whip up this delightful one-skillet meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed dinner perfect for busy families.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vibrant vegetables, and sweet pineapple, this dish delivers a balanced and satisfying meal in a single pan.
• Master Effortless Cooking: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this versatile dish match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising on taste.

What You’ll Need for Pineapple Chicken Rice

• Chicken: Tender protein that brings a hearty flavor to the dish.
• Pineapple: Sweet and tangy tropical fruit that adds a bright pop of flavor.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and soft rice that creates a perfect base for the meal.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building base that creates a delicious foundation.
• Red Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable that adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
• Soy Sauce, Ginger, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add texture and visual appeal.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and add depth to the dish.

Making Sweet and Savory Chicken Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Chunks

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Toss chicken cubes into the pan and cook until they turn golden and are fully done.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Introduce Tropical Sweetness

Toss pineapple pieces into the skillet and cook for two minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

• Jasmine rice
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Steam

Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and let rice simmer for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 6: Reunite and Warm

Return chicken chunks to skillet, gently mix, and warm everything together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Plate and enjoy your tropical chicken rice creation.

Helpful Tips for Tropical Chicken Rice

• Marinate chicken cubes in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and ensure juiciness.
• Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy or sticky results.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase heat for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
• Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, keeping the same delicious pineapple and rice base.

How to Store Pineapple Chicken Dishes

• Store leftover pineapple chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Safely freeze the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best flavor and quality.

Pairing Ideas for Pineapple Chicken Rice

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Serve with a refreshing Mai Tai, blending rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup to complement the sweet and savory pineapple chicken.
• Zesty Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Riesling with slight sweetness and acidity that balances the dish's fruity and umami flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a light Hawaiian-style lager or wheat beer with citrus notes, enhancing the pineapple's tropical profile and providing a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the meal's complexity.
• Mocktail Alternative: Create a pineapple-ginger spritzer using fresh pineapple juice, ginger syrup, sparkling water, and a hint of mint, mirroring the dish's bright and aromatic characteristics.

Flavor Swaps for Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or tempeh, marinated in soy sauce and ginger for extra flavor. Perfect for plant-based eaters seeking a protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Works great for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings. Ideal for individuals following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets.
• Spicy Hawaiian Version: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes during vegetable sautéing stage for a hot, zesty kick. Brings an exciting heat level to the classic recipe.

Vibrant Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pineapple chicken and rice brings tropical Hawaiian flavors dancing across your plate with bold, sweet-savory harmony. Juicy chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners that transport taste buds to island paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Produce and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (185 grams) jasmine rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, searing chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
3. Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks into the vegetable mixture, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Introduce jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the rice to simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Gently fold the previously cooked chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution and reheating thoroughly.
7. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative to chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Toast the rice in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking and prevent burning or overcooking any components.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg