Sizzling Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Sweet Zesty Meals

My latest culinary adventure with pineapple chicken and rice hits all the right flavor notes for a quick weeknight dinner.

Sweet tropical chunks dance through tender chicken pieces, creating an irresistible combination.

Weeknight meal planning becomes effortless when you can whip up something this delicious in under 30 minutes.

One-pan convenience means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction for hungry families.

Savory spices complement the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fragrant jasmine rice absorbs all the delectable juices, ensuring every single bite bursts with incredible taste.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

What Makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice Addictive

• Combines sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic spices that create a mouthwatering one-pan meal everyone will love.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dishwashing time.
• Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit different taste preferences, making it adaptable for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender meat providing the main protein source, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit adding moisture and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic flavor base creating depth and fragrant foundation for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich background flavor for rice cooking.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness to balance the dish.
• Honey: Optional sweetener to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential spices for seasoning chicken.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh finishing touches for added texture and visual appeal.

• White Rice: Neutral base grain that absorbs surrounding flavors and completes the meal.

Quick Prep for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle the Protein

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dust chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drop chicken into the hot pan and cook until golden and fully done, around 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Rice Infusion

• Chicken broth
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Chili flakes

Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Combine Tropical Elements

• Pineapple chunks
• Cooked chicken

Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove from heat and let dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Best Tips for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Success

• Select the Right Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes according to personal heat preference- start with a small amount and gradually increase for balanced flavor.
• Maximize Pineapple Sweetness: Use fresh pineapple chunks for brighter taste and better texture compared to canned alternatives, enhancing the overall dish's freshness.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch rice carefully during simmering to avoid burning or sticking, stirring occasionally and checking liquid absorption for perfect consistency.

Reheat and Store Pineapple Chicken and Rice Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated completely.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Sides for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Pair this sweet-savory pineapple chicken with a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like Riesling that complements the dish's fruity and spicy notes.
• Serve alongside a zesty cucumber-mint mojito that balances the richness of the chicken and provides a cool, bright counterpoint to the warm rice and spices.
• Enhance the meal with a light mixed green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette, which adds a tangy brightness and cuts through the dish's richness while maintaining the tropical theme.
• Add a side of crispy wonton strips or toasted macadamia nuts to introduce a satisfying crunch that plays against the tender chicken and soft rice.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice with a Twist

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, seared and seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the dish remains gluten-free. Verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey and use a low-carb sweetener to maintain the balanced flavor profile.
• Spicy Island Remix: Add jalapeños or sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced mango alongside pineapple for a tropical flavor explosion that elevates the original recipe.

All Your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Questions

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid amount and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more water and takes about 40-45 minutes to cook thoroughly.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or beef as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked properly.

• How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?

The chili flakes provide a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or some hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to cook the rice. The dish reheats well in a skillet or microwave.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling pineapple chicken and rice brings tropical paradise right onto dinner plates. Sweet-tangy flavors mingle with juicy chicken, inviting hungry diners to savor each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (200 g) jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (125 ml) pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh or canned pineapple chunks
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
3. Cook chicken until golden brown and thoroughly done, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked pieces to a separate plate, reserving for later incorporation.
4. Utilize the same skillet to sauté aromatic vegetables, introducing diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
5. Introduce rinsed rice to the vegetable mixture, gently stirring to ensure each grain absorbs the savory foundation.
6. Pour a combination of chicken broth, tangy pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, optional honey for sweetness, and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat. Thoroughly blend all liquid components.
7. Reintegrate the previously cooked chicken and vibrant pineapple chunks into the developing rice mixture, folding gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer for 18-20 minutes, enabling rice to become tender and liquid to absorb completely.
9. After cooking, let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes to enhance flavor melding and texture.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork to create a light, airy consistency.
11. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and absorption of flavorful liquids in the one-pan meal.
• Consider using brown rice for a nutritional boost, but adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly to prevent dryness.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version of this tropical-inspired dish, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg