Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that blends savory chicken with sweet, juicy pineapple and fragrant rice. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a family-friendly favorite for any night of the week.

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 until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally.
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 slightly 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 well to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
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 is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
7. Step 7: Check the rice for doneness. If it’s still firm, add a little more broth or water, cover, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pineapple for a tangier and more vibrant flavor; if using canned, drain thoroughly.
• Cook chicken in batches if making a larger quantity to ensure proper browning.
• Add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or additional bell peppers to increase nutrition and color.
• Adjust the balance of honey and soy sauce to suit your preferred sweetness and saltiness.
• Try grilled pineapple for a smoky twist or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover Pineapple Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the texture intact. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of chicken broth.

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 cooks through.

Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Absolutely! Mango or papaya are great tropical alternatives that add a fresh twist while complementing the savory flavors.

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a flavorful and tropical one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and sweet pineapple. Enhanced with savory seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and cumin, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory and can be easily customized with vegetables and spices. Ideal for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying dinner, it features juicy chicken simmered with rice and fresh pineapple for a vibrant meal.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired with tropical flavors)
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Base

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice

Vegetables and Fruit

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
• 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

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté together for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice to the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Allow the rice to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning and to bring out a nuttier flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and add 1 tablespoon honey if using. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
5. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Incorporate the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables if desired, and the diced pineapple into the skillet. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the rice mixture.
6. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the steam trapped for proper cooking.
7. Check for Doneness: After simmering, check if the rice is fully cooked. If it remains firm, add a little more chicken broth or water, cover again, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
8. Fluff and Season: Once fully cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the dish warm as a standalone meal or paired with your choice of sides.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for a vibrant, tangy flavor; if using canned, drain thoroughly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning chicken; cook in batches if preparing larger quantities.
• Customize by adding extra vegetables like carrots, spinach, or corn for more color and nutrition.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to achieve your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
• Maintain low heat when simmering to avoid burning the rice and to blend flavors well.

Keywords: pineapple chicken rice, one-pan meal, tropical chicken rice, savory sweet chicken rice, easy chicken rice recipe, skillet chicken rice, Asian-inspired chicken dish