Zesty Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Dinners

Succulent chunks of tender chicken dance with sweet pineapple chunks in this irresistible pineapple chicken and rice recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Tropical vibes meet comfort food in a single skillet, creating a meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Bold spices mingle with juicy fruit, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

The combination of savory protein and tangy pineapple delivers a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Each forkful brings a delightful mix of caramelized goodness and aromatic rice.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy evenings when hunger strikes.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, fluffy rice that provides a perfect foundation for absorbing the vibrant sauce and complementing the chicken's texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for sautéing ingredients and creating a smooth, non-stick cooking surface.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates hearty, tender bites.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant color to the dish.
• Onion: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base for the entire recipe.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Ginger: Introduces a warm, slightly spicy note that elevates the dish's complexity.

• Pineapple Chunks: Brings tropical sweetness, juicy texture, and tangy brightness to balance the savory elements.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty complexity to the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: Contributes rich, deep maritime flavor and glossy finish.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create caramelization.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavor profiles.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp garnish with subtle onion undertones.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers nutty crunch and visual appeal as a final touch.

Equipment Setup for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Rice Cooker or Pot: Essential for perfectly cooking jasmine rice.
• Large Skillet or Wok: Ideal for sautéing chicken, vegetables, and combining ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Tropical Chicken Feast

• Rice Foundation Soft, fragrant jasmine rice forms the perfect base for this delightful meal. Rinse rice thoroughly and cook until fluffy and light.
• Chicken Preparation Tender chicken pieces transform into golden brown treasures when seared in a hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Vegetable Medley Colorful onions, garlic, and red bell peppers dance together in the pan, creating an aromatic foundation that hints at the deliciousness to come.
• Flavor Symphony Soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and ginger blend into a magical liquid that will make taste buds sing with excitement. This sauce brings everything together with its complex and rich character.
• Pineapple Paradise Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks join the party, adding bright bursts of tropical sunshine to the savory chicken mixture. The fruit caramelizes slightly, creating incredible depth of flavor.
• Elegant Presentation Spoon the vibrant chicken mixture over the waiting rice. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a handful of sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Variations for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Dishes

• Tropical Twist Technique: Swap fresh pineapple for grilled pineapple chunks to add a smoky dimension and caramelized sweetness that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Spice Lovers' Hack: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce during the sauce preparation for those who enjoy a zesty kick with their chicken.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace jasmine rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Protein Power Move: Experiment with different protein options like shrimp, tofu, or lean turkey to create exciting variations while maintaining the recipe's delicious pineapple-infused essence.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners that taste just as delicious reheated.

How to Present Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Paradise Plating: Create a vibrant bowl with rice as the base, arranging the golden-brown chicken and colorful pineapple chunks on top for a restaurant-style presentation that makes every meal feel special.
• Refreshing Side Companions: Pair this dish with a crisp cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the sweet and savory flavors, adding a refreshing crunch that complements the main course perfectly.
• Herb Garden Finish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint leaves over the dish to bring a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the pineapple chicken's tropical essence and adds a pop of green color.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the chicken and rice in a large central serving dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portions, creating a communal dining experience that brings people together.

Refrigeration Advice for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. This strategy saves time and provides delicious ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Rules: Store leftover pineapple chicken in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. Always use clean utensils when handling to maintain food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate chicken mixture from rice before freezing to prevent soggy textures. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Hack: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking down meat pieces. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Authentic Hawaiian pineapple chicken and rice brings tropical flavors to dinner tables. Juicy chicken marinated in tangy pineapple sauce nestles perfectly over fluffy rice, delivering a satisfying meal you will crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (480 ml) jasmine rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse jasmine rice under running water until liquid becomes transparent, then cook using preferred method to achieve fluffy, separated grains.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Generously season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
3. Searing Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, carefully sear chicken to develop a golden-brown crust while guaranteeing thorough internal cooking. Remove and set aside.
4. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the same skillet to sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until translucent, capturing existing flavor remnants and creating an aromatic base.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl, forming a complex and harmonious flavor profile.
6. Flavor Fusion: Pour sauce over sautéed vegetables, reintroduce chicken, and incorporate pineapple chunks. Gently stir to ensure even coating and thorough heating.
7. Plating and Garnish: Serve the pineapple chicken atop fluffy jasmine rice, garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a sophisticated finishing touch.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch to prevent sticky, clumpy rice by washing under running water until liquid turns clear.
• Season Chicken Carefully: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crust and maximum flavor absorption.
• Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature for ideal searing without burning chicken or vegetables.
• Balance Sauce Ingredients: Whisk sauce components carefully to create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that complement the chicken and pineapple.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg