Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

ByLaura

The moment you lift the lid and the steam rises, you’re met with a sweet, tropical aroma that mingles with the savory notes of tender chicken and fluffy rice. Pineapple Chicken and Rice is one of those dishes that makes the whole kitchen feel warm and inviting, filling the air with a fragrance that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This dish carries a cozy, almost nostalgic charm. For many, it brings back memories of family dinners where sweet and savory flavors danced together in perfect harmony. It’s playful, a little unexpected, yet so comforting that you’ll want to come back to it again and again. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, with a touch of sunshine.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pineapple Chicken and Rice draws inspiration from tropical cuisines, especially those found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, where pineapple is often paired with savory meats. The sweet fruit not only tenderizes chicken but also balances spices and sauces beautifully. In Hawaiian-inspired cooking, pineapple has long been used to add a burst of brightness, making this dish both comforting and adventurous.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chicken and Rice

There are so many reasons this dish will win a place at your table.

Versatile: Serve it as a weeknight dinner or dress it up for a special gathering.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family.

Quick and Easy: With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is minimal.

Customizable: Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.

Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet and savory balance appeals to both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead and reheat when needed without losing flavor.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

A tropical-inspired dish that combines juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy jasmine rice in a sweet and savory harmony. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pot wonder is flavorful, comforting, and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add chicken cubes and sear until lightly golden on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and diced red bell pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Fold in pineapple chunks, spreading them evenly so each bite has balance.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  6. Finishing Touches: Fluff rice with a fork, sprinkle in green onions, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and serve warm, letting the sweet-savory aromas entice everyone to the table.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple if possible for brighter flavor.
  • Rinse rice well before cooking for fluffier texture.
  • For extra heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle chili flakes.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pineapple chicken and rice, tropical chicken rice, sweet and savory chicken rice, one pot chicken and rice, pineapple chicken recipe

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Cooking this dish can be a breeze if you keep a few tricks in mind:

  1. Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and keep it fluffy.
  2. Sear the chicken first to lock in juices and add a golden, caramelized flavor.
  3. Use fresh pineapple if you can, as it gives a brighter, less syrupy taste.
  4. Don’t rush the simmering step, this allows the rice to fully absorb the flavors.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To bring this dish together smoothly, a few simple tools make all the difference:

Large Skillet or Wok: For searing chicken and combining everything.
Medium Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal if you prefer one-pot cooking.
Sharp Knife: To cube the chicken and slice the pineapple neatly.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring without damaging your pan.

Ingredients in Pineapple Chicken and Rice

What makes this dish irresistible is the harmony of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and fluffy rice, each playing their part.

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  1. Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized cubes. Provides lean protein and a tender base.
  2. Jasmine Rice: 2 cups, rinsed and drained. Gives a fragrant and fluffy foundation.
  3. Pineapple Chunks: 2 cups, fresh or canned (drained). Brings natural sweetness and juiciness.
  4. Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Adds salty umami depth.
  5. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Enhances aroma and savory balance.
  6. Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated. Infuses warmth and zest.
  7. Chicken Broth: 3 cups. Keeps rice moist and flavorful.
  8. Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons. Lends nutty richness.
  9. Green Onions: 1/2 cup, chopped. Brightens flavor and adds freshness.
  10. Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced. Adds crunch, sweetness, and color.
  11. Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Balances flavors.

    12. Ingredient Substitutions

    Sometimes you’ll need to adjust, and that’s perfectly fine.

    Chicken Breast: Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
    Jasmine Rice: Swap with basmati or long-grain white rice.
    Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
    Pineapple Chunks: Mango chunks for a twist on sweetness.

    Ingredient Spotlight

    Pineapple: This golden fruit not only brings sweetness but also contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that tenderizes chicken beautifully.

    Ginger:

    ong> With its sharp, peppery heat, it cuts through sweetness and enhances savory flavors.

    Instructions for Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice

    Now let’s bring it all together, step by step.

    1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
    2. Combine Ingredients: Add chicken cubes and sear until lightly golden on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
    3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and diced red bell pepper. Stir gently to combine.
    4. Assemble the Dish: Fold in pineapple chunks, spreading them evenly so each bite has balance.
    5. Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
    6. Finishing Touches: Fluff rice with a fork, sprinkle in green onions, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and serve warm, letting the sweet-savory aromas entice everyone to the table.

    Texture & Flavor Secrets

    This dish is all about contrasts. The rice is tender yet fluffy, the chicken juicy and savory, and the pineapple bursts with juicy sweetness. Add in the crunch of peppers and the gentle nuttiness from sesame oil, and you have layers of flavors that play off each other beautifully.

    ding">Cooking Tips & Tricks

    Here are a few extra tips to make cooking easier:

    • Always let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to finish steaming.
    • Taste before serving and adjust with an extra splash of soy sauce if needed.
    • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.

    What to Avoid

    Even the best recipes can falter if you miss these:

    • Avoid using too much liquid, or your rice will turn mushy.
    • Don’t overcook the chicken, sear just until golden.
    • Skip adding pineapple too early, or it may become soggy instead of juicy.

    Nutrition Facts

    Servings: 6
    Calories per serving: 390

    Note: These are approximate values.

    Preparation Time

    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes