Sizzling Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Sweet Tropical Delight

Succulent pineapple chicken and rice delivers a tropical punch of flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Sweet chunks of fruit mingle beautifully with tender meat in this delightful culinary creation.

Fragrant jasmine rice provides the perfect canvas for this vibrant dish.

Warm spices and juicy pineapple create a harmonious blend that transports you to sunny island landscapes.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through contrasting textures and bright, bold notes.

Crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch that complements the rich chicken.

Dive into this simple yet extraordinary meal that promises to become a new dinner favorite.

Answers to FAQs About Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They cook quickly and absorb the sweet and savory sauce well.

• Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both work great! Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, while canned pineapple is convenient and still delicious.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and sweet. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice, reduce the brown sugar, and choose low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version.

What Makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice So Delightful

• Boost Flavor in Minutes: Combine sweet pineapple with savory chicken for a taste explosion that transforms ordinary dinner into something spectacular.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pan recipe requires minimal prep and uses basic ingredients most home cooks already have in their kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match family preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the balanced sweet and tangy flavors, creating a meal everyone can enjoy together without complicated techniques.

Essential Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary component of this flavorful dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide a robust and aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Create a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes in the sauce.

• Pineapple Chunks: Add a tropical sweetness and tangy brightness to the chicken.
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers a fresh, crisp garnish with a pop of color.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps in browning the chicken and preventing sticking to the pan.
• Rice: Serves as a fluffy and neutral base to absorb the delicious sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable oil to create a smooth cooking base.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Place chicken pieces into the hot skillet, cooking and turning until each side develops a golden-brown exterior with a delicious crispy texture.

Step 3: Boost Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Sauté these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence and create a mouth-watering aroma.

Step 4: Create a Tangy Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fresh pineapple chunks

Stir the ingredients to combine and create a rich, sweet-savory glaze that coats the chicken.

Step 5: Let Flavors Mingle

Reduce heat and allow the chicken to simmer gently, letting all the delicious flavors blend and intensify for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Base

Cook white rice according to package directions, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the simmered chicken mixture over the prepared rice, then sprinkle with sliced red bell pepper for a pop of color and fresh crunch.

Insider Tips for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Success

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
• Drain pineapple chunks well to prevent excess liquid in the skillet, ensuring a rich sauce consistency.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in the soy sauce mixture for deeper flavor absorption and more tender meat.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutritional value and a nuttier taste profile.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a final garnish to enhance visual appeal and provide extra crunch.

Fun Variations to Customize Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add mandarin oranges for extra citrus flavor.
• Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of sriracha for a heat-packed version.
• Hawaiian Coconut Chicken: Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut on top for a creamy island-inspired meal.
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken Bowl: Cook chicken and pineapple on a grill for smoky char marks, serving over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Best Pairings for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the sweet and tangy pineapple chicken flavors, enhancing the dish's tropical notes.
• Boost with Citrus Mocktail: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink using pineapple juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lime to mirror the recipe's fruity profile and cleanse the palate.
• Serve with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Prepare a side salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame-ginger dressing to add texture and provide a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
• Enhance with Coconut Rice Variation: Transform the plain rice by cooking it with coconut milk, which will add richness and create a more cohesive flavor connection with the pineapple chicken.

Storage Advice to Keep Pineapple Chicken and Rice Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain texture.
• Place cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Will stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the dish to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated completely.

Pineapple-laden Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken brings island flavors right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken mingles with sweet pineapple chunks over fluffy rice, delivering a quick, satisfying meal you can savor in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup rice
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
2. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy on all exterior surfaces, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for 60-90 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour soy sauce and sprinkle brown sugar into the skillet, creating a rich caramelizing sauce.
5. Gently fold in pineapple chunks, ensuring each piece becomes coated with the savory-sweet glaze.
6. Allow mixture to simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce slightly thicken.
7. While chicken simmers, prepare rice using recommended package instructions until fluffy and tender.
8. Transfer perfectly cooked rice to serving plates, creating a warm base for the chicken.
9. Spoon pineapple chicken mixture generously over rice, ensuring even distribution.
10. Garnish with thinly sliced red bell pepper for a vibrant, fresh color and subtle crunch.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and protein-packed.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and make the dish more heart-healthy.
• Quickly marinate chicken beforehand in pineapple juice for extra tenderness and deeper tropical flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat with their sweet and savory meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 477 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 1450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg