Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to slightly toast it and prevent burning.
- 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.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Mix in diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fluff and Season: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 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