Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice Delight 🍍🍗
If you’re craving a sweet and savory meal that feels like a mini vacation, this Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish! It’s a one-pan meal that brings together juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful veggies, and flavorful soy sauce, creating a delicious balance of tangy, salty, and fresh tropical flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep idea, or a dish to transport you to island vibes, this easy recipe delivers. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy One-Pan Meal – Less mess, fewer dishes, and fast cleanup!
✔ Sweet & Savory Balance – The pineapple’s natural sweetness perfectly complements the soy sauce and chicken.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Makes delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
✔ Customizable – Swap veggies, add spice, or turn it into a stir-fry—it’s flexible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add the Veggies
- Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
3. Mix in the Pineapple
- Add the drained pineapple chunks to the pan.
- Stir everything together and let the pineapple caramelize slightly for extra flavor.
4. Add the Seasoning
- Pour in the soy sauce and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine with Rice
- Stir in the cooked rice and mix everything together until well combined.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Dish out onto plates and serve warm.
- Garnish with extra pineapple, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra tropical twist.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice
✔ Use Fresh Pineapple – If you have fresh pineapple on hand, chop it into small chunks for an even fresher taste.
✔ Want Extra Flavor? Add a teaspoon of ginger or garlic for extra depth.
✔ Caramelized Pineapple – Sauté the pineapple for a minute before adding it to the dish for extra sweetness.
✔ Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a little heat!
✔ Make it Saucy – Drizzle a little teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of umami flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
🍛 Coconut Pineapple Chicken & Rice – Stir in ½ cup coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
🥦 Veggie-Packed Version – Add snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for extra crunch.
🍤 Hawaiian Shrimp & Rice – Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
🌱 Vegan-Friendly Option – Use tofu instead of chicken and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some great side options to make it a complete meal:
- Steamed Edamame – A light, protein-rich appetizer.
- Crispy Egg Rolls – The perfect crunchy side.
- Garlic Green Beans – A fresh, flavorful veggie dish.
- Cucumber Salad with Lime – A cooling, zesty contrast to the warm rice.
FAQs About Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Q: Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
A: Absolutely! Try using quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a fun variation.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: The best way to retain texture and flavor is to reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
A Sweet & Savory Tropical Meal You’ll Want to Make Again & Again
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying flavors, making it an easy go-to meal when you need something delicious in a hurry. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prep, or a summer-inspired dish, this recipe will bring island vibes straight to your kitchen!
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Do you prefer yours spicy, extra saucy, or with more veggies? Drop a comment with your favorite twist on this dish! 🍍🍗✨
Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet & Savory Island-Inspired Dish
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks, cooked rice, soy sauce, and honey. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
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