Pineapple Chicken and Rice: The Best Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Did you know that sweet and savory flavor combinations stimulate up to 5 different taste receptors simultaneously, creating a more satisfying culinary experience? That’s exactly what makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice such a beloved dish across cultures. This tropical-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice in a harmonious blend that delights the palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: The Best Recipe You’ll Ever Try

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A delicious and tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combining sweet pineapple chunks with savory chicken in a flavorful sauce.

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Ingredients

• Chicken (cut into chunks)
• Fresh pineapple (or frozen, thawed)
• Rice
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Red pepper flakes
• Vegetables (as desired)
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cut pineapple into 3/4-inch chunks, removing core and skin.
2. If using frozen pineapple, thaw and drain, reserving juice for sauce.
3. Prepare sauce mixture with soy sauce and reserved pineapple juice.
4. Cook chicken with sauce until done.
5. Add pineapple chunks.
6. Prepare rice separately.
7. Combine and serve.

Notes

• Can be made in an Instant Pot (5 minutes on high pressure)
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos
• Adjust spiciness with red pepper flakes or jalapeños
• Both fresh and frozen pineapple work well
• For best results, cut pineapple into 3/4-inch chunks

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop or Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: pineapple chicken, tropical chicken, chicken and rice, Asian fusion, easy dinner

Ingredients List for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or 1 can of pineapple chunks in juice, drained but reserve juice)
• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice (basmati or long-grain white rice work well too)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Substitution tip: For a healthier version, try brown rice instead of white. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey and use fresh pineapple rather than canned.

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (25% faster if using pre-cut chicken and pineapple)
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe comes together in under an hour, making it 30% quicker than traditional slow-cooked versions while maintaining all the flavor development.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice according to package instructions, but substitute 1/4 cup of the cooking water with pineapple juice for extra flavor. This simple swap infuses the rice with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements to come. For fluffier rice, let it rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. The key is to avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, which creates the foundation of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and red pepper flakes. This balanced sauce provides the perfect sweet-savory flavor profile that makes Sweet Pineapple Rice with Chicken so addictive. The acid from the vinegar helps tenderize the chicken while balancing the sweetness.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant but still crisp. The vegetables should maintain some texture for the perfect contrast to the tender chicken.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and bring to a simmer. Add the pineapple chunks and stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chicken and pineapple mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if desired. The final presentation should showcase the vibrant colors of this tropical-inspired dish.

Nutritional Information about Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Calories: 425 per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 680mg

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe provides approximately 38% of your daily protein needs and contains essential vitamins from the vegetables and fruit, including 65% of your daily vitamin C requirement.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for white rice to increase fiber content by up to 170%
• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to lower sodium by approximately 40%
• Replace honey with maple syrup or a smaller amount of monk fruit sweetener for lower sugar content
• Add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to boost the nutritional profile
• Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for more moisture if you prefer darker meat

Serving Suggestions of Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Serve in hollowed-out pineapple halves for an impressive presentation
• Add a side of steamed edamame for extra protein and a pop of color
• Pair with a light cucumber salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors
• For a complete meal, serve with a side of miso soup
• Top with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the chicken: Cook just until done (165°F internal temperature) to prevent dryness
2. Using canned pineapple in heavy syrup: This adds 46% more sugar than pineapple in its own juice
3. Not allowing the rice to rest: Skipping the 5-minute rest after cooking can result in sticky, clumpy rice
4. Rushing the sauce reduction: A properly reduced sauce should coat the back of a spoon
5. Adding pineapple too early: Add it toward the end to maintain texture and prevent excessive sweetness in the dish

Storing Tips for the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For meal prep, store the chicken mixture and rice separately to maintain optimal texture
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months
• When reheating, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to revitalize the sauce
• For best flavor, consume within 2 days as the pineapple flavor intensifies over time

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a vacation for your taste buds that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table any day of the week. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic rice creates a perfectly balanced dish that appeals to both adults and children alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Try this Sweet Pineapple Rice with Chicken recipe this week and discover why it’s becoming a favorite in households across the country. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and let us know how you’ve made this recipe your own!

FAQs

Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook the chicken with the sauce ingredients on high pressure for 5 minutes, then add the pineapple after releasing pressure. Cook the rice separately or use the pot-in-pot method.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, include a diced jalapeño with the vegetables, or serve with sriracha sauce on the side.

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain the pineapple before using, and reserve the juice for the sauce.

What’s the best way to cut fresh pineapple for this recipe?
Cut off the top and bottom, stand the pineapple upright, slice off the skin, quarter it lengthwise, remove the core, and then cut into chunks. For this recipe, 3/4-inch chunks work best.