Juicy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: Tropical Dinner Magic

Crisp summer memories dance through this delightful pineapple chicken and rice recipe that brings tropical sunshine directly to your plate.

Sweet chunks of caramelized fruit mingle perfectly with tender meat and fluffy grains.

Juicy protein absorbs incredible flavors during a quick marinade that infuses every bite with bright, zesty notes.

Tropical ingredients create a balanced meal promising both comfort and excitement for dinner.

Mediterranean and Asian culinary influences blend seamlessly in this straightforward dish that feels both familiar and exotic.

Each forkful delivers a remarkable combination of textures and tastes you’ll absolutely love.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a delicious adventure.

Sides That Work Well With Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Savor Aromatic Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the pineapple's tropical notes and balances the savory chicken glaze.
• Enhance Beverage Experience: Select a light Japanese beer like Sapporo or Asahi, which cuts through the dish's richness and mirrors its Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Refresh with Cocktail Companion: Mix a tropical mai tai featuring rum, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur to echo the dish's fruity undertones and provide a zesty counterpoint.
• Elevate Dining Mood: Serve chilled passion fruit iced tea, offering a refreshing and tangy backdrop that accentuates the chicken's caramelized pineapple glaze.

Keeping Pineapple Chicken And Rice Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, typically 3-4 minutes.

FAQs About Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw chicken completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken cubes.

• Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

Honey or maple syrup work well as alternative sweeteners in the sauce, providing similar caramelization and depth of flavor.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce during the sauce preparation to increase heat level according to your preference.

Why You’ll Want Pineapple Chicken And Rice Again

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Combines sweet pineapple with savory chicken, creating a delightful taste explosion that tantalizes taste buds with every bite.
• Master Quick Cooking: Simple steps allow home cooks to transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or specialized skills.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like adding vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or swapping proteins to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing entire dish in a single skillet, making meal preparation stress-free and convenient for busy households.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: A lean, versatile meat that serves as the main protein in this dish, providing a hearty and satisfying base.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that brings umami and saltiness to the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh fruit that provides a sweet and tangy component, creating a tropical flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking.

• White Rice: A neutral, fluffy grain that serves as a perfect accompaniment to the pineapple-glazed chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and extra flavor to the rice during cooking.

• Fresh Herbs, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that provide additional texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Simple Steps For Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Trim And Slice Chicken

Break down chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, removing any excess fat to ensure smooth and consistent cooking texture.

Step 2: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing chicken pieces to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.

Step 3: Season And Cook Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle seasonings over chicken, cooking until pieces are completely cooked through and have a rich caramelized color, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Remove Chicken And Prepare Aromatics

Transfer chicken to a warm plate, keeping it juicy and hot while preparing the next stage of flavor development.

Step 5: Build Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Sauté aromatics in the same skillet for 30 seconds, releasing their intense and fragrant essence into the cooking surface.

Step 6: Introduce Fruity Sweetness

Add pineapple chunks to the skillet, gently stirring to caramelize and develop a deep, complex sweetness.

Step 7: Create Glossy Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar

Whisk sauce ingredients together, creating a rich and glossy coating that will elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Step 8: Combine Chicken And Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the vibrant pineapple-sauce mixture, ensuring complete flavor absorption.

Step 9: Prepare Fluffy Rice

Cook white rice in chicken broth using a rice cooker or stovetop method, achieving perfectly tender and flavorful grains.

Step 10: Plate And Garnish

• Fresh herbs
• Sesame seeds

Serve chicken over a bed of steaming rice, sprinkling optional garnishes for added texture and visual appeal.

Smart Tips For Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Slice Chicken Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet, which helps create delicious caramelization.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a more concentrated glaze or adding a splash of chicken broth if too thick.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Taste and adjust sauce by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for depth, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds to add brightness, texture, and visual appeal to the final dish.

Fun Twists On Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey and add red chili flakes for a hot kick, creating a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Hawaiian Chicken: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the tropical flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Stir-Fry: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Tropical Chicken: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Tropical vibes dance through this pineapple chicken and rice, blending sweet and savory flavors from Hawaiian cuisine. Juicy chicken mingles with caramelized pineapple chunks, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Additives:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by trimming excess fat and cutting into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing chicken.
3. Add chicken cubes to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.
6. Incorporate pineapple chunks, stirring to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet profile.
7. Whisk together soy sauce and brown sugar, creating a glossy, umami-rich sauce.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the pineapple-sauce mixture.
9. Simultaneously, cook white rice in chicken broth using a rice cooker or stovetop method, ensuring fluffy and flavorful grains.
10. Once rice is tender, plate by creating a bed of rice and topping with the pineapple-glazed chicken.
11. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and easier preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before cubing to achieve better browning and prevent steaming in the skillet.
• Use fresh pineapple for more vibrant flavor and natural sweetness, though canned works as a convenient alternative.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze.
• Consider reducing brown sugar for lower-sugar diets or substituting with honey or maple syrup.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Enhance protein content by adding edamame or cashews for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Balance sweet and savory notes by adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg