Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and fluffy rice. Pineapple Chicken and Rice is one of those perfect dishes that bring a burst of tropical flavor to your dinner table, transforming an ordinary weeknight meal into something special. The best part? It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and comes together in just one skillet! 🍍🍗🍚

Whether you’re craving a dish with a balance of sweetness and savory goodness or looking for something to please the whole family, this recipe hits all the right notes. You’ll want to make it again and again. But don’t take my word for it—try it for yourself!

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This recipe is a fantastic balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with juicy pineapple chunks, while the rice absorbs all the flavorful juices and sauces, making each bite heavenly. Here’s why this dish will become a weeknight staple in your home:

• Sweet and Savory: The natural sweetness of pineapple and honey balances perfectly with the savory soy sauce and fragrant ginger.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?
• Kid-Friendly: The mild sweetness from the pineapple makes it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
• Quick and Easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with different veggies or protein options to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks (drained, reserve juice)
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated or ground)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Tools Needed:

• Large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Ready to dive into the tropics with this flavorful dish? Let’s break down the simple steps to get you cooking in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper begins to soften.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Liquids

Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, reserved pineapple juice (from the can), soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the rice is fully coated in the liquids and flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be careful not to lift the lid too often, as the steam helps cook the rice evenly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pineapple

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and drained pineapple chunks. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the chicken and pineapple are heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your Pineapple Chicken and Rice is ready to serve!

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What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This dish is flavorful and filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider pairing it with:

• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add extra nutrition and texture.
• Side salad: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.
• Crusty bread: A slice of warm bread helps soak up the delicious juices.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice

To make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, only sauté it until it’s just cooked through, as it will cook a bit more when reheated with the rice and pineapple.
• Use reserved pineapple juice: Don’t skip the pineapple juice—it adds a wonderful sweetness to the rice and balances the savory flavors.
• Customize the veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even zucchini for added texture and color.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Pineapple Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or an easy lunch the next day.

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

FAQs About Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add a bit more liquid.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple will work great! If using fresh, substitute the pineapple juice with extra chicken broth or a bit of fresh-squeezed pineapple juice.

Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

What can I substitute for chicken breast?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.

Conclusion: A Tropical Delight on Your Dinner Table

There’s no need to wait for a tropical vacation to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Pineapple Chicken and Rice. With its tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and flavorful rice, this dish will brighten up any weeknight dinner and leave your family asking for seconds!

Looking for more easy, flavorful meals? Try my One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta or this crowd-pleasing Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole. Both are hearty, delicious meals that your family will love!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 14g

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