Easy Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful pineapple chicken and rice will transport you to a tropical paradise of flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your plate with every bite.

Juicy chicken pieces mingle seamlessly with golden rice grains.

Vibrant ingredients create a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Simple spices and fresh pineapple chunks add unexpected excitement to this classic dish.

Each forkful promises a burst of sunshine-inspired taste.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this pineapple chicken dish?

The dish combines sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of honey for a balanced, tropical-inspired flavor profile that creates a delicious sweet and savory meal.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes during cooking to introduce a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.

• Is this a good weeknight dinner option?

Absolutely! The recipe is quick and easy, taking about 20-25 minutes total to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals when you want something flavorful but not complicated.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Served with Flair

• Craft Exotic Flavors: Blend tropical pineapple with savory chicken for a delightful taste adventure that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this one-pan wonder with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making dinner preparation stress-free and quick.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, and swap proteins or sides to match family preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Create a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the main protein in this flavorful dish.

• Pineapple Chunks: A sweet and tangy tropical fruit that adds brightness and acidity to the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that provides depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar: A combination of ingredients that creates a balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that adds a subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the dish.

• Rice: A neutral, filling grain that serves as the perfect foundation for the pineapple chicken.

Cooking Steps for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on each side.

Once beautifully caramelized, transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Soften The Aromatics

In the same skillet, toss chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Drained pineapple chunks
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Reunite Protein With Sauce

Return the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Gently toss everything to ensure chicken gets completely coated with the tangy pineapple sauce. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes until everything is thoroughly heated.

Step 5: Plate And Enjoy

Generously spoon the pineapple chicken over freshly prepared rice. Serve immediately and savor the delightful tropical fusion.

Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, or use ground black pepper for milder warmth.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned varieties.
• Select jasmine or basmati rice to complement the tropical chicken's sweet and tangy profile.
• Keep chicken pieces similar in size for even cooking and maintain medium-high heat to lock in moisture.

Variations on Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add shredded coconut for extra island flavor.
• Spicy Mango Fusion: Swap pineapple chunks with fresh mango and increase red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Caribbean Coconut Rice Bowl: Use coconut rice instead of regular rice and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute honey with lemon juice, add oregano and thyme, and top with crumbled feta cheese.

Best Sides to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Pair Sweet Riesling: Select a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the dish's tropical and tangy flavors, balancing the pineapple's acidity and chicken's richness.
• Create Cucumber Salad Side: Prepare a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet-savory chicken dish.
• Match Tropical Garnish: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts over the rice to enhance the pineapple's tropical profile and add delightful crunch and texture.
• Recommend Ginger Beer: Pour a crisp, spicy ginger beer alongside the meal to cut through the sweetness and add a zesty, effervescent element that elevates the overall dining experience.

Proper Storage for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, separating chicken and rice to prevent sogginess.

Pack cooled pineapple chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

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 and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, then serve over freshly cooked rice.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tropical pineapple chicken and rice bring sweet and savory flavors dancing across your plate, creating a delightful island-inspired meal. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice combine into a quick dinner that transports you to warm Pacific coastlines.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pineapple chunks, drained

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Starch:

• 2 cups (400 grams) cooked rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both surfaces, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly softened, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
3. Add drained pineapple chunks, creating a vibrant and tangy layer. Pour in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to develop a complex, sweet-savory sauce.
4. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a rich, aromatic mixture.
5. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the pineapple-infused sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes to ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
6. Plate the pineapple chicken over fluffy rice, ensuring each serving receives an equal distribution of sauce, chicken, and pineapple chunks.
7. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or green onions for added freshness and visual appeal before serving hot.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken beforehand by pounding it to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and juicier meat.
• Opt for fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile and added natural sweetness.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt content to personal taste preferences.
• Enhance dietary flexibility by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, maintaining the dish’s delicious tropical essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg