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Pineapple Chicken Rice 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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