Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory seasonings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.

A brown bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice with visible grains, topped with a generous layer of small square pieces of tofu coated in a glossy dark brown sauce that looks rich and sticky. Scattered on top of the tofu are small slices of bright green onion pieces, adding a fresh contrast to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Chopped cashews or sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the rice, diced red bell pepper, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and, if desired, sprinkle chopped cashews or sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
  • Add sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finishing touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

A brown bowl filled with one bottom layer of white cooked rice showing soft, slightly separated grains, topped with a thick second layer of small, glossy, golden-brown tofu cubes coated in a rich dark brown sauce, and finished with chopped bright green scallions scattered evenly on top; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Print
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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and aromatic spices cooked together in a skillet for a quick and satisfying meal ready in 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Oils & Condiments

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped cashews or sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken and aromatics.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Add main ingredients: Add the rice, diced red bell pepper, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
  5. Simmer with chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
  6. Finish and serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle with chopped cashews or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful pineapple chicken and rice!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
  • Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor or canned pineapple if unavailable, just be sure to drain it well.
  • Adjust the soy sauce and seasoning according to your taste and dietary preferences.
  • To make this dish gluten free, use a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • For added heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes during the sauté step.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, tropical chicken recipe, skillet chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal

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