Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe That Wows

Tropical flavors dance through this mouthwatering pineapple chicken and rice creation that brings instant sunshine to your dinner plate.

Sweet and tangy notes weave magic into every single bite.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked grains, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Bright yellow pineapple chunks add vibrant color and unexpected zest to the classic combination.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices will make you want to savor each delectable forkful.

What Makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice So Delicious

• Boost Family Dinner: A crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its sweet and savory blend of chicken, pineapple, and rice.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Simplify cooking by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Combines lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome jasmine rice for a balanced and nutritious dinner option.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal preparation and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy households seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that create a flavorful aromatic base for the recipe.
• Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that adds brightness and tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Green Onions: Garnish that provides a fresh, mild onion finish.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant rice that serves as the hearty foundation of the meal.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Savory condiment that enhances the overall umami taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
• Ginger: Spice that brings a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Cubes

Brown chicken pieces in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tropical Sweetness

Introduce fresh pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for two minutes, allowing the fruit to release its natural juices.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Jasmine rice
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce
• Freshly grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Steam

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice steam for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, gently folding it into the rice mixture to reheat and blend flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve hot and enjoy your tropical culinary creation.

Pro Tips for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Balance Pineapple Sweetness: Choose ripe pineapple for natural sweetness, adjusting soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Rice Cooking Hack: Let rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to absorb remaining moisture and create fluffy, separated grains.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a varied protein profile that suits different dietary preferences.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their tropical-inspired chicken dish.

Variation Ideas for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp for a seafood version, maintaining the same cooking method and pineapple-rice base.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Edition: Swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the original flavor profile intact.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochujang or sriracha sauce, incorporate gochugaru pepper flakes, and top with kimchi for a zesty Korean-style rendition.

Pairing Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the pineapple's tropical notes and balances the savory chicken.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Create a zesty non-alcoholic drink using fresh pineapple juice, sparkling water, lime, and a hint of ginger to echo the recipe's flavor profile.
• Enhance with Coconut Garnish: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the dish to add a nutty, tropical texture that elevates the pineapple and rice combination.
• Serve with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, cool cucumber salad with rice vinegar and mint to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken dish.

Storage Advice for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring proper sealing to maintain flavor and texture.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water.

FAQs for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free. Regular soy sauce contains wheat.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced jalapeños during cooking to increase heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

• Can I use canned or fresh pineapple?

Both work well. Fresh pineapple offers brighter flavor, while canned pineapple provides consistent sweetness and is more convenient.

Paradise Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian-inspired pineapple chicken and rice delivers a mouthwatering island flavor explosion on your dinner plate. Juicy marinated chicken, sweet caramelized pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice combine for a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) pineapple, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) green onions, sliced

Grains, Seasonings, and Liquids:

• 1 cup (185 grams) jasmine rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon (9 grams) sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle chicken cubes in olive oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Add jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the rice to simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring liquid is fully absorbed and rice becomes fluffy.
6. Gently fold the previously cooked chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution and heating through completely.
7. Plate the dish and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the vibrant blend of tropical and savory flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
• Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for added fiber and a nuttier texture, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• For a low-sodium option, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce and reduce the added salt to control overall sodium intake.
• Quickly marinate chicken in pineapple juice before cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse extra tropical sweetness into the meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg