1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Featured in Easy Family Meals.

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings tropical flavors to your dinner table by combining tender chicken pieces with sweet pineapple chunks and fluffy rice. The dish gets its distinctive taste from a harmonious blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, while colorful bell peppers and green onions add fresh crunch and visual appeal. The pineapple juice is cleverly incorporated into the cooking liquid, infusing the rice with subtle sweetness as it cooks. This versatile one-pan meal can be customized with different vegetables or proteins, and works equally well with fresh or canned pineapple, making it perfect for both planned dinners and last-minute meals.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Mon, 27 Jan 2025 04:17:27 GMT
Sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice, a flavorful one-pan meal. Pin it
Sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice, a flavorful one-pan meal. | lastminrecipes.com

The bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple transforms this chicken and rice dish into something truly special. Each bite delivers tender chunks of chicken and fluffy rice infused with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. When the aroma of ginger, garlic, and caramelizing pineapple fills your kitchen, you know you're in for a treat that takes you straight to the tropics.

I discovered this combination years ago when trying to recreate a dish from my favorite Hawaiian restaurant. The secret, I learned, was letting the pineapple juice reduce until it creates a natural glaze for the chicken.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for their richer flavor and moisture. They're more forgiving than breasts and won't dry out.
  • Fresh Pineapple: Look for one that's golden-yellow with a sweet aroma at the base. If using canned, get chunks in juice rather than syrup.
  • Jasmine Rice: Its floral aroma complements the tropical flavors perfectly. Rinse until the water runs clear for the fluffiest texture.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is essential here. Pre-minced won't give you the same bright, vibrant flavors.
Tender chicken with pineapple and rice, a quick and tropical-inspired dinner. Pin it
Tender chicken with pineapple and rice, a quick and tropical-inspired dinner. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Rice Foundation:
Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions, replacing 1/4 of the water with pineapple juice. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes after cooking.
Chicken Preparation:
Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a pan until hot, then cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
Pineapple Caramelization:
After removing the chicken, add pineapple chunks to the same pan. Let them sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop caramelized edges. Remove and set aside.
Sauce Building:
Sauté ginger and garlic in the same pan until fragrant. Add soy sauce and any accumulated pineapple juice, scraping up browned bits. Let this reduce slightly before returning the chicken to the pan.

Growing up in a family that loved Hawaiian cuisine, I learned that the key to this dish is balancing the sweet and savory elements just right.

Temperature Control

Keep your heat at medium-high when cooking the chicken, but reduce it to medium when building the sauce. This prevents the sugars in the pineapple juice from burning while allowing them to caramelize properly.

Vegetable Integration

If adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, introduce them after the sauce has reduced slightly. They should maintain their crunch while picking up the flavors of the dish.

Assembly Strategy

Layer serving bowls with the pineapple-infused rice, topped with the chicken and sauce mixture. Add the caramelized pineapple chunks last to maintain their distinct texture.

Final Touches

A sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds adds color and texture. A few drops of sesame oil just before serving brings everything together.

Final Thoughts: This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal - it's a celebration of how a few thoughtfully combined ingredients can transport you to a tropical paradise. Through countless iterations in my kitchen, I've found that success lies in respecting each component while allowing them to complement each other. The way the sweet pineapple plays against the savory chicken, how the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors - it's a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Pineapple chicken and rice, a simple and delicious dish with bold flavors. Pin it
Pineapple chicken and rice, a simple and delicious dish with bold flavors. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works well. Just be sure to save some juice for cooking the rice.
→ What's the best rice to use?
Jasmine or basmati rice work best for their fragrant flavor and fluffy texture.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
→ How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, try adding peas, carrots, or other vegetables you enjoy.

Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice

Sweet and savory chicken and rice dish with pineapple, bell peppers, and Asian-inspired sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 generous servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Protein and Produce

01 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
03 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
05 1 clove garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or ground

→ Rice and Liquids

07 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, uncooked
08 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
09 1/4 cup soy sauce
10 2 tablespoons honey
11 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Seasonings and Garnish

12 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
13 Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and peppers begin to soften.

Step 03

Add rice, chicken broth, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 04

Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pineapple chunks. Cook 2-3 minutes more until everything is heated through.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  1. Can use chicken thighs instead of breast for more tender results
  2. Fresh or canned pineapple both work well
  3. For extra heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes
  4. Stores well in refrigerator for 3-4 days
  5. Can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g