Sweet & Zesty Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My weekend culinary adventures recently discovered an incredible pineapple chicken and rice combination that changed everything about weeknight dinners.

Sweet tropical flavors dance through tender meat and fluffy grains in unexpected harmony.

Quick cooking techniques make this meal seriously delightful for busy home cooks.

Juicy pineapple chunks bring bright, zesty notes that complement savory chicken perfectly.

Hawaiian-inspired ingredients create a delicious blend of comfort and excitement on your plate.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time guarantee a stress-free cooking experience.

You’ll love how easily this dish comes together with minimal kitchen effort.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal.

Pineapple Chicken Rice That’s Sweet, Savory, and One Pan

Whip Up Tropical Delight: Reasons to Love Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and zesty garlic for a tantalizing taste that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup with this simple recipe that uses a single pan, reducing dish washing and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different spice preferences, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Strawberry Mango Smoothie Tropical Blend Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, lean cuts work best for a healthier meal.

• Pineapple: Sweet and tangy tropical fruit that adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.

• Soy Sauce, Honey: Provide a rich, sweet and umami balance to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor base.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy heat.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté and brown chicken, adds subtle flavor.
• Onion: Provides a foundational savory base for the sauce.

• Rice: Neutral grain that serves as a perfect accompaniment to absorb the flavorful sauce.

Skillet Prep for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place chicken slices into the hot pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown exterior on both sides.

Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Onions

Using the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings, add chopped onions.

Sauté the onions until they become translucent and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Tropical Sauce

• Pineapple chunks
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together, creating a vibrant and fragrant sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the previously cooked chicken slices back into the skillet.

Gently toss and coat each piece thoroughly with the tropical sauce, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the pineapple chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this delightful island-inspired meal.

Rice Bowl Tips for Pineapple Chicken Fusion Flavor

• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• Adjust the honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, creating a perfectly balanced tropical sauce that complements the chicken.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned alternatives, bringing an authentic tropical taste to the dish.
• Customize the heat by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, allowing you to create a mild or spicy version that suits your taste preferences.
• Choose jasmine or basmati rice to enhance the tropical flavors and provide a fragrant base that perfectly complements the pineapple chicken.

Reheat Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying and restore sauce moisture. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until temperature reaches 165°F.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Sides

• Enhance Sweet-Savory Balance: Crisp Riesling perfectly complements the recipe's sweet-tangy pineapple sauce, cutting through the richness while highlighting tropical flavor notes.
• Refreshing Tropical Sidekick: Coconut mojito adds zesty brightness, mirroring the pineapple's tropical essence and providing a cool, complementary drink experience.
• Zesty Green Salad Companion: Fresh mixed greens with a light citrus vinaigrette offer a crisp, clean counterpoint to the rich, saucy chicken, balancing the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Bright Garnish Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add textural crunch and enhance the dish's complex flavor layers.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice with Island Spins

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the vibrant flavors.
• Spicy Island Version: Increase red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños or sriracha sauce to create a more intense, fiery Caribbean-inspired dish.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even browning and proper cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. Use 1/4 teaspoon for a subtle kick, or omit entirely if you prefer no spice. For more heat, increase to 1/2 teaspoon.

• What type of rice works best with this recipe?

White rice is classic, but brown rice or jasmine rice also work well. Choose a rice that will complement the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings sweet-savory island flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken marinated in tangy pineapple sauce nestles perfectly over fluffy rice, delivering a quick and delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 can (15 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving:

• 2 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Elevate medium-high heat in a spacious skillet, drizzling olive oil to create a sizzling surface for searing protein.
2. Strategically place chicken slices, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich golden crust, then carefully transfer to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors, gently introducing chopped onions and transforming them into translucent, tender morsels.
4. Infuse the pan with vibrant pineapple chunks, complemented by a harmonious blend of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, aromatic garlic, and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding flavors and creating a luxurious, glossy sauce that promises depth and complexity.
6. Reintroduce the previously seared chicken, delicately coating each piece with the tantalizing tropical sauce, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration.
7. Present the succulent pineapple chicken atop a bed of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, creating a visually appealing and delectable tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breast or thighs for a healthier protein option that absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in pineapple juice for 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor absorption.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan-friendly sweetness that complements the pineapple’s natural sugars.
• Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color contrast in the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg