How to Make Juicy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

A restaurant-worthy dinner that brings Hawaiian-inspired flavors to your table in just 40 minutes. This foolproof recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and aromatic rice in one pan for the perfect tropical escape.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty Level: Medium
Dietary Notes: Can be made gluten-free with tamari, Dairy-free

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that brings tropical flavors right to your kitchen table. This one-pan wonder combines tender, juicy chicken with sweet pineapple chunks and fragrant jasmine rice, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll transport you to a beachside paradise. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken and pineapple dish or craving a Hawaiian-inspired rice bowl, this One-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory, where the pineapple’s natural juices infuse the rice and chicken with incredible flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, this tropical chicken and rice recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Equipment Needed For Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch minimum)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Rice colander
• Kitchen timer

The Magic Behind the Dish

The beauty of this recipe lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks in the pineapple juice, while the natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize slightly, creating a delectable glaze. The jasmine rice absorbs all these wonderful flavors while cooking, resulting in a fragrant bed of rice that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces ($8-10)
• 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed ($2-3)
• 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks or 20 oz canned pineapple chunks ($3-4)
• 1 cup pineapple juice ($1-2)
• 2½ cups chicken broth ($1-2)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced ($1)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped ($0.50)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.25)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.50)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ($0.25)
• 1 tablespoon honey ($0.25)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated ($0.25)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) ($0.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Estimated total cost: $18-24

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Preparation: The Key to Success

Prep-Ahead Tips (Up to 24 hours in advance):

• Cut chicken and store in marinade
• Chop vegetables and store in airtight containers
• Prepare pineapple if using fresh
• Measure out dry ingredients

Marination Steps:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl (2 minutes)
2. Add chicken pieces and coat well (3 minutes)
3. Marinate for 30 minutes minimum or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor
4. While marinating, rinse rice until water runs clear (5 minutes)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat Pan (2-3 minutes)
   • Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
   • Pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles
2. Cook Chicken (5-6 minutes)
   • Add marinated chicken pieces
   • Cook until golden brown
   • Look for slight caramelization on edges
   • Remove and set aside
3. Sauté Vegetables (6-7 minutes total)
   • Add onions, cook until translucent (3 minutes)
   • Add garlic and ginger (1 minute)
   • Add bell peppers (2 minutes)
4. Prepare Rice Base (2-3 minutes)
   • Add rinsed rice
   • Toast while stirring
   • Rice should smell nutty
5. Combine and Cook (20-25 minutes)
   • Add liquids and seasonings
   • Return chicken
   • Add pineapple
   • Bring to boil, then reduce heat
   • Simmer covered 18-20 minutes
   • Rest covered 5-10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple:

• Fresh pineapple (best): Available year-round, peak season March-July
• Canned alternative: Choose pineapple in juice, not syrup
• Frozen option: Thaw and drain before using

Rice Selection:

• Best choice: Jasmine rice
• Alternatives: Long-grain white rice, basmati rice
• Grain-free option: Cauliflower rice (reduce cooking time by 15 minutes)

Moisture Control:

• Fresh pineapple: Use recipe as written
• Canned pineapple: Reduce broth by ¼ cup
• Frozen pineapple: Drain thoroughly before using

Customization Options

Make It Your Own:

• Add crunch: Cashews, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots
• Extra vegetables: Snow peas, broccoli, or carrots
• Heat options: Red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh jalapeños
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh

Storage and Meal Prep

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (rice texture may change)
• Reheating: Add 1-2 tablespoons water per portion

Meal Prep Tips:

1. Portion into microwave-safe containers
2. Cool completely before storing
3. Store garnishes separately
4. Label with date and reheating instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice in advance for meal prep? Yes! This dish is excellent for meal prep. Cook as directed and portion into airtight containers once cooled. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating and add fresh garnishes just before serving. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
2. Why does my rice sometimes turn out mushy when cooking with pineapple? The enzymes in pineapple can affect rice texture if not handled properly. To prevent mushy rice: (1) Always use the exact liquid-to-rice ratio specified, (2) Reduce liquid slightly if using canned pineapple, (3) Don’t lift the lid during cooking, and (4) Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to fully absorb the liquid and firm up.
3. What’s the best cut of chicken for Pineapple Chicken and Rice? While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, chicken thighs can be an excellent alternative. Thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. If using chicken breasts, ensure they’re cut into uniform 1-inch pieces and don’t overcook them. The key is to brown them quickly over high heat initially, then let them finish cooking gently with the rice to maintain their tenderness.
4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Store in freezer-safe containers in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture. Note that the texture of the rice may be slightly different after freezing.
5. How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd? To double the recipe, use a larger pan or Dutch oven and multiply all ingredients by two. Cooking time may need to increase by 5-7 minutes. For best results, cook in batches if serving more than 8-10 people.

Signs of Perfect Doneness

Your dish is ready when:

• Rice is tender but still has slight resistance
• Liquid is fully absorbed
• Chicken is cooked through but still juicy
• Pineapple pieces are slightly caramelized
• Pleasant aroma fills the kitchen

Perfect Pairings

Enhance your meal with:

• Asian cucumber salad
• Steamed Asian greens
• Tropical iced tea
• Chilled white wine (Riesling or Pinot Grigio)

A Taste of Paradise

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of flavors that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements creates a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

Remember, the key to this Tropical dish’s success lies in the balance of flavors and the timing of adding ingredients. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly cooked, harmonious meal that might just become your new favorite.

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