Tropical Harmony: One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

Tropical flavors dance together in this one pan pineapple chicken and rice recipe that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks mingle effortlessly with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious meal.

The simplicity of preparing everything in a single pan makes this dish a weeknight dinner dream.

Juicy chicken absorbs the vibrant pineapple essence, while fluffy rice catches every delicious drop of flavor.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet elements that will transport you to a sunny paradise.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that comes together with minimal effort.

You’ll find yourself craving these incredible flavor combinations again and again.

Why You’ll Crave Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• This recipe transforms ordinary chicken and rice into a tropical, mouth-watering feast with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Skip multiple pots and pans! The entire meal comes together in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Swap ingredients easily – use brown rice, add different vegetables, or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Pineapple juice and chunks infuse the dish with sweet, tangy notes that elevate simple chicken and rice into a restaurant-quality meal everyone will love.

What Goes Into Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Cubes: Tender meat that forms the hearty base of this tropical-inspired dish.

• White Rice: Fluffy grain that serves as the foundational starch of the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook and season the rice.
• Pineapple Juice: Sweet tropical liquid that adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Avocado Oil: Neutral oil used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the chicken's natural taste.
• Pineapple Pieces: Juicy fruit that adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild, sharp accent to the final meal.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping that offers a subtle nutty finish.

Cooking One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Drain Tropical Pineapple

Open the pineapple can and carefully drain the juice, reserving one cup of the sweet liquid.

Measure out a cup of pineapple chunks for cooking and store the remaining pieces in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Cubes

Heat a 12-inch skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat.

Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.

Drop the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes and flipping once to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Toast Fragrant Rice

Push the browned chicken to one side of the skillet.

Add cooked white rice to the pan, stirring and toasting until the grains become slightly translucent and develop a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Pineapple pieces
• Pineapple juice

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, mix in pineapple chunks and reserved juice.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover the skillet.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Allow the dish to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

Check rice for tenderness, adding extra cooking time if needed until liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is soft.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in sliced green onions, mixing thoroughly to distribute the fresh flavors throughout the dish.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the one-pan meal into serving bowls.

Top with reserved pineapple pieces, remaining green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Catch and reserve the juice while draining to maximize flavor and prevent waste.
• Stir rice in the skillet to develop a nutty, rich taste before adding liquid for enhanced depth.
• Monitor rice texture and liquid levels during final cooking stage to ensure perfectly cooked, tender grains.
• Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for alternative protein sources that work beautifully in this recipe.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped nuts for an extra crunch that complements the soft rice and tender chicken.

Keep Pineapple Chicken and Rice Tasting Fresh

• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Carefully pack the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label the container with the date of storage.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra pineapple juice to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Sides That Fit with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Mix a refreshing mai tai with rum, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur to complement the dish's sweet and tangy profile.
• Zesty Wine Pairing: Select a crisp riesling or gewürztraminer with slight sweetness that matches the pineapple's tropical notes and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Fresh Herbal Beverage: Brew a light green tea or mint-infused water to provide a clean, cooling contrast to the warm, fruity chicken and rice.
• Citrus Spritzer Option: Create a sparkling pineapple mocktail with soda water, fresh lime juice, and a splash of pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic refreshing drink that echoes the meal's tropical flavors.

Mix-Up Options for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Delight: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
• Spicy Tropical Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during chicken cooking stage to introduce a zesty heat that complements the sweet pineapple notes.
• Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Replace rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles, using chicken thighs instead of cubes for richer flavor and increased protein content.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Medley: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating protein beforehand in pineapple juice and using vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative that keeps the original recipe's essence.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking period, typically around 45-50 minutes instead of 20 minutes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños during cooking to customize the spice level.

• Can I make this recipe with a different protein?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even turkey. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked properly.

One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers tropical paradise on a plate, merging sweet and savory flavors with effortless culinary magic. Caribbean-inspired ingredients blend perfectly, promising a quick dinner that transports you to sun-soaked island kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (454 grams)

Starch and Vegetables:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 2 cups green beans, steamed

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Drain pineapple, reserving one cup of juice. Measure out one cup of pineapple pieces for the recipe, storing remaining fruit for later use.
2. Heat 12-inch skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke.
3. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Sear in hot skillet for 3-4 minutes, rotating once to achieve golden exterior. Chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
4. Push browned chicken to one side of skillet. Add cooked white rice, stirring to toast for 2-3 minutes until grains become slightly translucent and develop a nutty aroma.
5. Introduce chicken broth, pineapple pieces, and reserved pineapple juice into the skillet. Gently mix ingredients and increase heat to bring mixture to a soft boil.
6. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes without disturbing. Verify rice tenderness and liquid absorption, extending cooking time if necessary.
7. Incorporate sliced green onions, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
8. Plate the chicken and rice, garnishing with reserved pineapple pieces, additional green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Save extra pineapple juice for future marinades or tropical cocktails, maximizing ingredient potential.
• Opt for long-grain white rice for best texture, or substitute with brown rice for added nutritional value and nutty flavor.
• Easily replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or tempeh for vegetarian and varied protein alternatives.
• Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of chicken and rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg