Craving a dish that transports you straight to a sun-drenched beach with every bite? Our Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need! This delightful meal effortlessly combines succulent chicken, sweet and tangy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all bound together by a irresistible savory sauce. It's a vibrant, balanced, and incredibly satisfying option perfect for any night of the week.
Forget complicated recipes; this Pineapple Chicken and Rice is designed for ease and maximum flavor. It’s a complete meal in one pan (or skillet!), making cleanup a breeze and ensuring you get a delicious dinner on the table without the fuss. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you'll love how simple and rewarding this dish is to make.
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Quick Weeknight Solution: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The sweet acidity of pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken and rice.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your favorite additions or dietary needs.
Essential Ingredients for Your Tropical Meal
You'll need just a few key components to bring this tropical fantasy to life. Most items are likely already in your pantry!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- Cooked rice (white or brown works perfectly)
- Fresh or canned pineapple chunks (don't discard the juice if using canned!)
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce (low-sodium is a great option)
- Brown sugar
- Garlic & ginger (fresh is best, but ground works too)
- Bell pepper (optional, for color and crunch)
- Green onions (for a fresh garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For exact measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Step-by-Step
Creating this flavorful meal is straightforward and fun! Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. It's crucial that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of the dish.
Step 3: Simmer the Sweet & Savory Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
Step 4: Add Pineapple & Veggies
Stir in the pineapple chunks and any optional diced bell pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm through and the flavors to fully meld. This step is where the magic truly happens, infusing every component with tropical goodness.
Step 5: Combine with Rice
Finally, add your cooked rice to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated in the rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped green onions, and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Tips and Variations for Your Pineapple Chicken
- Spice It Up: A dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha can add a pleasant heat.
- Different Proteins: Shrimp or pork can be used instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Vary the Rice: Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice can be great substitutes. If you enjoy one-pan meals, consider our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice for another comforting option.
- Extra Veggies: Snow peas, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots are excellent additions. You might also like our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan for another easy, veggie-packed meal.
- Thicker Sauce: For a slightly thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own! However, if you're looking to round out your dinner, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a few steamed green beans would be perfect.
Conclusion
We hope this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen! It's an incredibly versatile, flavorful, and easy dish that proves healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated. Give it a try, and let us know your favorite ways to customize it in the comments below!
Happy cooking, and remember to visit us again for more simple, scrumptious recipes!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for Pineapple Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant, zesty flavor. Just be sure to reserve some juice if you want to include it in the sauce.
What vegetables pair well with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish?
Bell peppers are great, but you can also add snap peas, broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.
How can I make this Pineapple Chicken and Rice spicier?
For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce just before serving.
Is it possible to prepare this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is excellent for meal prep. Cook and portion it into airtight containers, and it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combines tender chicken with juicy pineapple chunks, all coated in a delicious sauce for an easy, tropical weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
Step 5: Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Mix in Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, you can add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to the sauce during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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