Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Imagine tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet-tangy sauce, perfectly complemented by juicy pineapple chunks and served over a bed of fluffy rice. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the ultimate tropical-inspired comfort food that brings a taste of the islands right to your dinner table. The harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors creates a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. You’ll learn how to create this delicious one-pan wonder with simple ingredients and easy techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor that will quickly become a family favorite. The sweet juiciness of fresh pineapple creates a delightful contrast against the savory chicken and aromatic rice, resulting in a dish with incredible depth of flavor. Each bite offers a different experience – sometimes sweet, sometimes savory, but always delicious.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. You’ll appreciate how the dish comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as the ingredients meld together during cooking. The vibrant colors make for a beautiful presentation, while the tropical aroma that fills your kitchen will transport you to a beachside paradise.

For busy weeknights, this chicken and pineapple rice dish can be prepped ahead, making dinner assembly a breeze. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy – the natural sweetness of the pineapple makes the entire dish approachable and craveable.

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or 1 20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice, drained but reserve ¼ cup juice)
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

The quality of pineapple significantly impacts this dish. Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor, but canned works well in a pinch – just be sure to drain it properly while saving some juice for the sauce.

Pro Tips

Properly Prep Your Pineapple: When using fresh pineapple, cut it into consistent 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. If using canned pineapple, drain it thoroughly but reserve ¼ cup of the juice – this natural sweetener adds depth to the sauce without needing additional sugar. Never use pineapple in heavy syrup as it will make your pineapple chicken rice bowl excessively sweet.

Master the Chicken Cooking Technique: For perfectly tender chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing each piece to develop a golden crust before removing. This creates texture contrast and seals in juices. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage – it will finish cooking with the rice.

Perfect Rice Every Time: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping, resulting in fluffy, distinct grains. For the best flavor absorption in your Hawaiian pineapple chicken and rice, toast the rinsed rice in a bit of oil before adding liquids. This simple step develops a nutty flavor and helps each grain maintain its integrity during cooking, preventing the dreaded mushy texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple), soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will become the sweet-tangy glaze that makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice so irresistible. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base creates the foundation of flavor for your pineapple chicken with rice.

Step 4: Toast and Cook the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the pan with the vegetables and stir to coat with oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
After 10 minutes, add the browned chicken, pineapple chunks, and the prepared sauce to the pan. Gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cover again and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (reaching 165°F internal temperature).

Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid. Fluff the Pineapple Chicken and Rice with a fork, then garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken and Rice: For heat lovers, transform this dish by adding 1-2 thinly sliced jalapeños or 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce. The spicy kick creates an exciting contrast with the sweet pineapple, elevating your tropical pineapple chicken to new heights. For an authentic Thai-inspired version, include a tablespoon of red curry paste and substitute coconut milk for half of the chicken broth.

Vegetarian Pineapple Rice: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets by replacing chicken with firm tofu or a hearty vegetable like cauliflower. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes, press out excess moisture, and pan-fry until golden before following the remaining recipe steps. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian. The pineapple still shines as the star flavor component, making this variation just as satisfying as the original.

Grilled Pineapple Enhancement: For deeper flavor, grill fresh pineapple chunks before adding them to the dish. The caramelization intensifies the sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness that transforms the entire Pineapple Chicken and Rice experience. Pair this with grilled chicken pieces for a summer barbecue twist that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For best results, cool completely before storing. While freezing is possible for up to 2 months, the texture of the pineapple may change slightly upon thawing. Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture, or gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this tropical dish in a variety of exciting ways. For a traditional presentation, mound the Pineapple Chicken and Rice on a platter and garnish with additional fresh pineapple chunks, sliced green onions, and cilantro. For an Instagram-worthy meal, hollow out half a pineapple and use it as a serving bowl for a spectacular presentation that enhances the tropical theme.

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with sides like a crisp Asian slaw, steamed edamame, or simple roasted vegetables. For a complete feast, serve alongside coconut-crusted shrimp or spring rolls for an Asian-fusion dinner that will impress any guest.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook and more liquid. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and cook the rice for 30 minutes before adding the chicken and pineapple, then continue cooking as directed.

Is fresh pineapple necessary, or can I use canned?
Both fresh and canned pineapple work well in Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Fresh provides the best flavor, but canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) are a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain the canned pineapple while reserving some juice for the sauce.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce needs thickening, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, remove the lid during the final cooking stage to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components separately up to a day ahead. Cook the chicken and vegetables, store them refrigerated, then combine with freshly cooked rice and pineapple just before serving. Alternatively, fully prepare the dish, refrigerate, and gently reheat with a splash of broth.

What protein can I substitute for chicken?
Pork tenderloin, shrimp, or firm tofu are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly – shrimp needs only 2-3 minutes to cook through, while pork should be cooked to 145°F internal temperature.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is comfort food with a tropical twist — bright, satisfying, and bursting with sweet-savory flavors that transport you to island shores with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion meals, versatile enough for both Tuesday night dinner and weekend entertaining. The beautiful balance of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and aromatic rice creates a complete meal that nourishes body and spirit. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers consistent results and happy diners every time.

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