Sun-Kissed Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Summers call for vibrant, refreshing meals that burst with flavor and this pineapple chicken and rice recipe delivers pure tropical delight.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks mingle effortlessly with tender chicken, creating a culinary symphony on your plate.

Juicy chicken pieces soak up the bright marinade, promising an explosion of island-inspired taste.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched beach with its perfect balance of savory and sweet notes.

The rice serves as a delicious canvas, soaking up the rich, fruity sauce and complementing the succulent meat.

Colorful bell peppers add a crisp texture and visual appeal to this irresistible dish.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary tropical escape.

Cooking Pineapple Chicken and Rice From Scratch

• Brown the Chicken

Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil until they turn golden and crispy. Season generously with spices to create a mouthwatering flavor profile. Cook until perfectly done, then set aside to rest.

• Wake Up the Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, peppers, and garlic into the same skillet. Let them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic magic into the pan.

• Create the Rice Base

Introduce rice to the vegetable party, stirring to coat every grain with delicious flavor. Pour in a blend of broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Let the liquid work its magic and infuse the rice with incredible taste.

• Bring Everything Together

Reunite the cooked chicken with sweet pineapple chunks. Gently fold everything into the rice mixture. Cover and let simmer, allowing flavors to mingle and rice to become perfectly tender.

• Final Touch and Serve

Let the dish rest briefly to lock in all those incredible flavors. Fluff the rice with a fork, then sprinkle with fresh green onions and a handful of sesame seeds. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Flavor Hacks for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Flavor Boost Tip: Marinate chicken in pineapple juice and soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper tropical flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili flakes according to personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the savory umami profile.
• Protein Swap Options: Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef to create different variations that keep the delicious pineapple-rice combination intact.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch meal prepping.

Serving Pineapple Chicken and Rice With Flair

• Tropical Beach Picnic: Pack this vibrant dish in colorful containers for a beachside lunch that transports you to a Hawaiian paradise. Add extra pineapple chunks and a small side of coconut sauce for dipping.
• Dinner Party Delight: Serve in a large, elegant serving bowl with decorative sesame seed sprinkle. Pair with a crisp white wine or tropical mocktail to elevate the dining experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own station where guests can add extra toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of sriracha. Place the skillet directly on the table for a communal, interactive meal.
• Leftover Lunch Makeover: Transform remaining chicken and rice into a quick wrap the next day. Add fresh lettuce, extra pineapple salsa, and a dash of hot sauce for a delicious lunch transformation.

Save & Reheat Pineapple Chicken and Rice Like a Pro

• Chill and Refresh: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay tasty for 3-4 days, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Quick Freeze Strategy: Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. Sealed meals can freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meals in microwave with splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Target internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Smart Lunch Prep: Pack individual servings in leak-proof containers for work or school. Keep cold packs nearby to maintain freshness. Separate garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds until serving to maintain crispness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty foundation, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor, select low-sodium varieties to control salt content.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Add vibrant crunch and sweet undertones, pick firm vegetables with bright, glossy surfaces.
• Garlic: Provides robust, earthy warmth, select firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouts.
• Green Onions: Delivers fresh, zesty finish, choose bright green stalks with crisp white bases.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces subtle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Sesame Seeds: Creates nutty, toasted accent, select fresh seeds with golden-brown color.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Pineapple Chunks, Pineapple Juice: Brings tropical sweetness and tangy brightness, select ripe, golden pineapple for maximum flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness, opt for local, raw varieties when possible.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth, choose low-sodium versions for balanced seasoning.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste profile, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertone, freshly ground offers more complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent seasoning, ensure it's not clumpy or expired.

Tools That Help You Nail Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Large Skillet or Pan: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and preparing the entire one-pan meal.
• Measuring Cups: Precise for measuring rice, broth, and pineapple juice.
• Measuring Spoons: Perfect for portioning seasonings like salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing bell peppers, onions, and green onions.
• Fork: Useful for fluffing rice at the end of cooking.

Tropical Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent pineapple chicken and rice combines sweet tropical flavors with savory protein in a delightful island-inspired dish. Fragrant jasmine rice provides the perfect bed for juicy marinated chicken and tangy pineapple chunks, creating a balanced meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 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
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Coat chicken pieces uniformly with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring robust flavor penetration.
2. Protein Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect golden-brown exterior for the chicken, cooking thoroughly for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, developing a flavor-rich base.
4. Rice Integration: Introduce rinsed rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat grains with the savory foundation and prepare for liquid absorption.
5. Liquid Infusion: Combine chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes, pouring over the rice mixture. Incorporate the previously seared chicken and pineapple chunks, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Simmering Process: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer for 18-20 minutes, enabling rice to become tender and flavors to meld completely.
7. Resting and Finishing: Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork to create a light texture. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly Season Chicken: Ensure even spice distribution by patting chicken dry before seasoning and using a light hand to coat each piece uniformly for maximum flavor absorption.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, watching for consistent color and preventing moisture loss during cooking.
• Balance Liquid Ratio: Measure pineapple juice and chicken broth precisely to prevent soggy or dry rice, adjusting slightly based on rice type and desired consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting chicken with tofu for vegetarian version, using cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or selecting gluten-free soy sauce for sensitive diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg