Table of Contents
Introduction Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors packed into one hearty meal. The tender chicken is coated in a flavorful pineapple sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy rice, creating an easy yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why will you love this recipe? It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a tropical burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the flavors according to your preference.
Ingredients Needed
To prepare this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Pineapple Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup bell peppers (chopped)
- ½ cup carrots (julienned)
- ¼ cup green onions (for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- ½ cup cashews or peanuts for extra crunch
Kitchen Equipment Required
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:
Large skillet or wok
Medium saucepan (for rice)
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- If using fresh pineapple, chop it into small chunks.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger for the sauce.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Pineapple Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey/brown sugar. Stir well.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then add it to the sauce.
- Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 4: Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a saucepan, bring water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add rice and salt.
- Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and add butter for extra flavor.
Step 5: Combining Everything Together
- Once the rice is ready, serve it on a plate or in a bowl.
- Top it with the pineapple chicken mixture.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice
✅ Use fresh pineapple for a more natural sweetness.
✅ If you want a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly.
✅ Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
✅ Add bell peppers for a pop of color and extra crunch.
✅ Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy)
- A side of fried rice or quinoa for extra nutrition
- A fresh tropical salad
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pineapple chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months (store the rice separately for best texture).
- Reheating: Microwave for 2 minutes or warm on the stove with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Health Benefits of Pineapple Chicken and Rice
✔️ Rich in Vitamin C: Pineapples boost immunity.
✔️ High in Protein: Chicken supports muscle growth.
✔️ Low in Fat: A balanced, healthy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the chicken – it can become dry.
❌ Using too much cornstarch – makes the sauce too thick.
❌ Not rinsing the rice – it can turn mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to drain the juice properly to avoid excess sweetness.
2. What type of rice is best?
Jasmine or basmati rice works best for fluffy texture and great aroma.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes! You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and cook fresh rice when ready to serve.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 ½ cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated or ground
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 green onions chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Pineapple & Sauce
- Stir in pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and pineapple juice.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Combine Chicken & Rice
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked rice and mix everything well. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the rice absorbs the sauce.
Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy sauce or spice).
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy your sweet & savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Notes
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and pineapple juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Add cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
Enjoy this delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe
