Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that beautifully balances savory chicken with sweet, tropical pineapple. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers vibrant flavors along with comforting textures that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Add the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple. Stir well to distribute the ingredients throughout the rice mixture.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
7. Step 7: Check the rice for doneness. If it’s still firm, add a little more chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant and tangy flavor; if using canned, be sure to drain it thoroughly.
• To avoid overcrowding the pan, cook chicken in batches when making larger portions for better browning.
• Customize with your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach to add color and nutrition.
• Adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce to balance sweetness and saltiness according to preference.
• Cook on low heat after adding liquids to prevent the rice from burning and allow flavors to meld.
• Try a spicy twist by adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Add coconut milk for a creamy texture and tropical taste.

Storage

Store leftover Pineapple Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Absolutely. Mango or papaya can be great tropical alternatives or additions that complement the sweetness of the pineapple.

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and sweet, juicy pineapple. This dish balances savory soy sauce and spices with tropical pineapple, creating a satisfying and vibrant dinner perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)

Grains and Liquids

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)

Oils and Sauces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Spices and Garnishes

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to slightly toast it and prevent burning.
4. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and optional ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Mix in diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Simmer Covered: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
7. Check for Doneness and Adjust: If rice is still firm, add a little more broth or water, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until tender.
8. Fluff and Season: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness and color. Serve warm as a complete meal or with desired sides.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor; canned pineapple should be thoroughly drained.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning; cook in batches if needed.
• Customize with additional vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce quantities to suit your preferred sweetness and saltiness levels.
• Cook on low heat after adding liquids to prevent rice from burning and to allow flavors to meld.

Keywords: Pineapple Chicken Rice, one-pan meal, tropical chicken recipe, easy dinner, savory and sweet, halal chicken recipe