Print

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/pineapple-chicken-rice-recipe-2/