Juicy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe: Tropical Dinner Magic

Tropical breezes and vibrant pineapple chicken and rice flavors dance together in this mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Juicy chunks of tender chicken mingle with sweet, caramelized pineapple pieces.

Fragrant rice provides the perfect canvas for this delightful combination.

Subtle hints of ginger and soy sauce add depth to every single bite.

Quick and simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Colorful and inviting, this dish promises to become your new go-to comfort food that sparks joy at the dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every delicious forkful of this island-inspired masterpiece.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They absorb the marinade well and cook quickly, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both work great! Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, while canned pineapple is convenient and still delivers delicious results. Just drain canned pineapple before using.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a sweet and tangy flavor profile from the honey, soy sauce, and pineapple. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, replace honey with a sugar substitute, and use brown rice instead of white rice. You can also reduce the oil by using a non-stick cooking spray.

What Makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice So Tasty

• Marinate chicken with simple pantry spices for an instant taste explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into a gourmet meal.
• Prepare this dish using basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy a balanced one-pan recipe that combines protein, fruit, and rice, creating a complete meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with minimal cleanup.
• Combine sweet and savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime an enjoyable experience for everyone around the table.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Chicken Rice

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh fruit that adds tropical sweetness and tanginess.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners for balancing flavor and creating glaze.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Provides depth of flavor and helps create the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's taste.

• Cooking Oil: Helps sear and prevent sticking during cooking.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish for added color and mild onion flavor.
• Rice: Classic base that complements the chicken and absorbs the delicious sauce.

How to Cook Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend chicken with a zesty combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper.

Thoroughly mix and let the chicken soak up these delicious flavors for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Fluffy Rice

Cook rice following package directions until perfectly tender and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring each piece turns beautifully golden brown and cooks completely through.

If needed, work in batches to maintain optimal cooking conditions.

Step 4: Toss in Tropical Pineapple

Add bright pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly and blend with the chicken.

Step 5: Create Luscious Glaze

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a rich, clingy glaze coating the chicken.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spread the cooked rice on plates, top with glazed chicken and pineapple, then sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Serve piping hot and enjoy this delightful tropical-inspired meal.

Helpful Tips for Juicy Chicken and Fluffy Rice

• Let chicken sit in marinade for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste.
• Use medium-high heat and watch chicken carefully to avoid overcooking or scorching during searing.
• Swap fresh pineapple with grilled pineapple for a smoky, caramelized flavor that enhances the dish's sweetness.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Cook extra chicken and rice to create easy lunch leftovers that can be quickly reheated the next day.

How to Store and Reheat This Chicken Rice Meal

• Store leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remains good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Perfect Sides for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Tequila Sunset: Pair a bright, citrusy margarita with fresh lime juice and a splash of pineapple juice to complement the sweet and tangy chicken glaze.
• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Refreshment: Choose a chilled white wine with zesty citrus notes that will cut through the richness of the chicken and enhance the pineapple's tropical flavor profile.
• Island-Inspired Mocktail Fusion: Create a non-alcoholic pineapple-ginger sparkler with fresh pineapple juice, ginger ale, and a hint of mint to mirror the recipe's bright, sweet-savory elements.
• Coconut Water Cooler: Serve a pure, refreshing coconut water alongside the dish to balance the meal's bold flavors and provide a light, hydrating counterpoint to the glazed chicken.

Creative Variations for Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking method. Press tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture for better texture.
• Spicy Tropical Remix: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños during the stir-fry stage to boost the spice level.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduced-sodium alternatives. Increase herb and spice quantities like garlic powder and ginger to maintain robust flavor without excess salt.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings sweet and savory flavors from Hawaiian cuisine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken chunks nestled with caramelized pineapple create a perfect balance over fluffy rice that promises a delightful culinary escape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful marinade by blending soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper with chicken pieces. Allow the mixture to infuse for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare rice using preferred method, ensuring it’s fluffy and ready to serve as a base for the dish.
3. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil. Carefully place marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking 4-6 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Introduce pineapple chunks to the skillet, gently sautéing for 2-3 minutes to caramelize edges and enhance natural sweetness.
5. Craft a glossy glaze by combining rice vinegar, additional soy sauce, and honey directly in the skillet. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and coat chicken and pineapple with a luxurious sheen.
6. Transfer perfectly cooked rice to serving plates, arrange glazed chicken and pineapple on top, and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for extra flavor absorption by letting it sit longer, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Choose fresh pineapple for a brighter, more vibrant taste and texture compared to canned versions.
• Adjust honey or sugar levels to create a balanced sweet-savory profile that suits your palate.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish more diet-friendly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg