Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Tropical Delight

Tropical breezes whisper through this delightful pineapple chicken and rice recipe that promises a burst of island-inspired flavors.

Sweet chunks of golden fruit mingle with tender chicken pieces in a dance of culinary magic.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or tasted so vibrant.

Fragrant jasmine rice serves as the perfect canvas for this mouthwatering creation.

Juicy pineapple adds a bright, tangy twist that will make you dream of sunny beaches and relaxed evenings.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly memorable.

Dive into this easy, delectable meal that brings tropical excitement right to your dinner table.

What Makes This Dish Sweet, Savory & Tropical

• Savor One-Pan Magic: Simplify your cooking with this single-skillet wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor without complicated techniques.
• Burst with Tropical Vibrancy: Combine sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and aromatic jasmine rice for a delightful meal that transports your taste buds to a flavor paradise.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner solutions.

Every Ingredient for That Perfect Island Combo

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the rice.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Create a flavor foundation with their savory and sweet notes.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy undertone to the overall dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish.

• Pineapple: Brings a sweet and tangy tropical element to the chicken and rice.
• Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant rice that serves as the main carbohydrate base.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds texture and nutty flavor.

How to Make Juicy Chicken and Fluffy Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop cubed chicken into the pan and cook until each piece turns golden brown and reaches complete doneness.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken The Vegetables

In the same skillet, dance the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper around until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Welcome The Pineapple

Toss cubed pineapple into the skillet and let it cook for a quick 2 minutes, releasing its sweet tropical essence.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Foundation

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

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Reunite The Chicken

Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring gently to spread flavors throughout the dish. Warm everything together.

Step 6: Finish With Flair

Plate the meal and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful, appetizing presentation.

Tips to Balance Sweet Pineapple and Savory Flavors

• Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice to increase fiber and nutrient content while keeping the same cooking method.
• Add a splash of pineapple juice or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and caramelization during cooking.
• Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the recipe's authentic taste.
• Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty aroma and provide a delightful crunch to the final dish.

Fun Twists on the Classic Chicken & Rice

• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy, exotic Caribbean-style dish that adds rich, smooth texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Spicy Mango Kick: Swap pineapple with fresh mango chunks and add diced jalapeños for a zesty, sweet-heat version that brings vibrant Mexican-inspired notes to the recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine instead of soy sauce, using grilled chicken thighs for an aromatic Mediterranean-style interpretation.
• Teriyaki Glazed Version: Mix in homemade teriyaki sauce, use brown rice instead of jasmine, and add roasted cashews for a Japanese-inspired take with extra crunch and caramelized depth.

What Pairs Best with This Sunny Dish

• Enhance Tropical Flavor Fusion: Pair this vibrant pineapple chicken rice with a crisp Riesling, highlighting the dish's sweet and savory notes.
• Create Balanced Beverage Match: Select a light Hawaiian-style lager that complements the tropical pineapple undertones and cuts through the rich chicken.
• Boost Refreshing Drink Experience: Opt for a citrusy mocktail with ginger and lime, mirroring the recipe's ginger and bright pineapple elements.
• Elevate Dining Pleasure: Add a side of cucumber-mint salad to provide a cool, fresh contrast against the warm, spiced chicken rice.

Storage Advice for Sweet and Savory Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled pineapple chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Your FAQ Fix for Pineapple Chicken Success

• What are the key flavor profiles in this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish?

The dish combines sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic ginger with a soy sauce base, creating a balanced blend of tropical and umami flavors.

• Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time since brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking period.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is prepared entirely in a single skillet, making it convenient for cooking and cleanup.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage to introduce extra heat and complexity to the dish.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Tropical flavors dance in this mouthwatering Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish, bringing island-inspired comfort to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice combine for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup (150 grams) pineapple, cubed
• 1 cup (185 grams) jasmine rice
• 2 cups (470 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add fresh pineapple chunks to the vegetable mixture, allowing them to caramelize slightly for 2 minutes.
4. Pour jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow rice to simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice becomes tender.
6. Gently fold the reserved cooked chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and heating through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Plate the chicken and rice, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result that absorbs flavors better than chicken breast.
• Choose fresh pineapple over canned for a brighter, more vibrant taste and natural sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling to release their nutty aroma and enhance the final presentation with a subtle crunch.
• Swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the dish’s delicious tropical profile while reducing calories.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg