Ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table tonight? This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a vibrant, sweet, and savory sensation that comes together in just one skillet. Featuring tender chicken, juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and fluffy jasmine rice, all infused with a delicious Asian-inspired sauce, it’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a go-to in my kitchen for so many reasons. I absolutely adore how it balances the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the savory notes of chicken, soy sauce, and ginger. It’s a complete meal cooked in one pan, which means minimal cleanup – always a win! The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, and the combination of textures, from the tender chicken to the slightly firm rice and juicy pineapple, keeps every bite interesting. It’s a fantastic way to break out of a dinner rut and enjoy something both wholesome and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this bright and flavorful one-skillet meal:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh is best!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result; just adjust cooking time slightly.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, but canned pineapple (drained well) is a convenient alternative.
- Rice: Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, but basmati or even long-grain white rice would also work.
- Bell Pepper: Use any color bell pepper you prefer – red, yellow, or orange will add sweetness, while green will offer a slightly more savory note.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic would give it a nice subtle kick.
Directions
Let’s get cooking this delicious and easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet (one with a lid is ideal for later simmering), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the cubed pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm through and release some of its natural sweetness.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the jasmine rice directly into the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and add the grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time.
- Combine and Heat Through: Once the rice is cooked, return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the rice and vegetables. Continue to heat through for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip searing the chicken first! This adds a crucial layer of flavor and ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked before it goes back into the rice.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: When simmering the rice, resist the urge to peek or stir too much. This allows the rice to cook properly and absorb the liquid.
- Fresh Ginger: While ground ginger can be used, fresh grated ginger truly elevates the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust Salt: Soy sauce is salty, so add salt to taste at the end after you’ve mixed everything.
- Fluff the Rice: Once cooked, use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a complete meal in one pan, making it a fantastic standalone dinner. However, you can enhance it with a few simple additions:
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed snap peas or broccoli would complement the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of citrus.
- If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful chicken and rice dishes, you’ll also love our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish makes delicious leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can add a tiny splash of water or broth if the rice seems a bit dry.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pineapple might become slightly softer upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the easy, flavorful, and complete nature of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other delicious chicken-centric recipes:
- For a lighter, refreshing take on chicken, check out A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight.
- If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting bowls, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a super easy way to feed a crowd with chicken, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a lifesaver!
- Finally, for another cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a fantastic reminder that healthy, flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a dish the whole family will ask for again and again.
Give this recipe a try and let the tropical flavors brighten your day! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any delicious twists you discover in the comments below. And for more easy, amazing recipes to inspire your cooking, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
Leave a Reply