Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious and well-balanced dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory seasonings with fluffy jasmine rice. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Balance – The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and soy sauce.
• One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to clean up, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
• Nutritious and Satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe by adding more vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

3. Add Pineapple – Stir in the pineapple cubes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Cook the Rice – Add the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer – Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

6. Combine with Chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it heat through.

7. Garnish and Serve – Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Extra Crunch – Toss in cashews or slivered almonds for added texture.
• Tropical Twist – Mix in some shredded coconut for a more tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to drain the juice to prevent excess liquid in the dish.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its light and fluffy texture, but you can also use basmati or brown rice (adjusting cooking time accordingly).

Can I make this dish in a rice cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken and vegetables separately, then add everything to a rice cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I prevent my rice from getting mushy?

Make sure to measure the liquid correctly and avoid stirring the rice too much while cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat when needed.

What can I serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice?

It pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even a fried egg on top.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes, but let it thaw slightly before adding it to the skillet for even cooking.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The mild sweetness from the pineapple makes it appealing to kids. You can omit any spicy additions to keep it milder.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors. With its simple one-pan preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick and satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy a delicious tropical-inspired dish in under 40 minutes!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory seasonings with fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite!

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Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

• Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened.
• Add Pineapple – Stir in pineapple cubes and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Cook the Rice – Add jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
• Simmer – Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
• Combine with Chicken – Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
• Garnish and Serve – Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

• Spicy Option: Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Extra Crunch: Add cashews or slivered almonds for texture.
• Tropical Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a sweeter touch.