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If you’re craving a dish that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny island paradise, the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend. Sweet, savory, and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice all coated in a luscious glaze that’s both tangy and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this easy-to-make dish has just the right balance of tropical flair and homey goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the meal shine. From the lean chicken breasts to the sweet pineapple and the savory glaze, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): 1.5 pounds – Lean and protein-packed base for the dish.
- Pineapple Chunks (fresh or canned, drained): 2 cups – Adds sweetness, texture, and tropical flavor.
- Cooked White or Jasmine Rice: 3 cups – The cozy, neutral bed to soak up the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (gluten-free if needed): 1/4 cup – Brings savory depth and umami.
- Pineapple Juice: 1/3 cup – Enhances the sauce and sweetens naturally.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Deepens the glaze with caramel-like notes.
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves – Adds savory aroma and richness.
- Ginger (fresh grated): 1 teaspoon – Gives a warm, spicy edge.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – Thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Green Onions (sliced): 2 – Adds freshness and a mild bite.
- Red Chili Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon – For a hint of heat.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them until each side is golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Achieving that golden crust is essential to locking in moisture and flavor, so don’t rush it. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside—it will return to soak up all that amazing sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sweet and Savory Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until smooth. This mixture is the magic behind the dish’s glossy, flavorful glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and umami notes.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce and Pineapple Chunks
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), pour in your sauce mixture and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sauce begins to thicken—about 3 to 4 minutes. At this point, add in the pineapple chunks. The fruity bursts will caramelize slightly, intensifying their tropical sweetness and giving the dish body and brightness.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer
Place the golden chicken breasts back into the skillet with the thickened sauce and pineapple. Let everything simmer together gently for 6 to 8 minutes. This step allows the chicken to finish cooking while soaking in the luscious, glossy sauce, resulting in succulent bites that burst with flavor.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once the sauce is thick and shiny, sprinkle sliced green onions and optional red chili flakes over the dish. The green onions add a fresh, mild onion aroma, while the chili flakes bring just a whisper of heat to balance the sweetness beautifully. Meanwhile, fluff the cooked rice with a fork to prepare your base for serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions of the pineapple chicken and sauce over the bed of warm, fluffy rice. Each bite should be a harmony of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and savory glaze that’s nothing short of pure happiness on a plate.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red chili flakes add thoughtful contrasts in flavor and a pop of color, elevating the dish’s presentation. You can also toss in some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or fresh cilantro leaves for herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to add crunch and verdancy. A crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or a light miso soup can provide a refreshing balance, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and rice in carved-out pineapple halves for a dazzling and tropical presentation that’s sure to impress. Alternatively, use colorful bowls or bamboo steamers to bring an island vibe to your table that complements the mood and flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain its wonderful flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice for best results. Store them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and to keep the chicken juicy. Stir the rice gently while warming or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pineapple chunks instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works well too, just be sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing to avoid making the sauce too watery.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
You can! Boneless, skinless thighs will add extra juiciness, or try tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proteins are cooked through.
How spicy is this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe?
The dish is naturally mild, with the red chili flakes adding optional heat that you can adjust to your liking. Feel free to omit or add more for your perfect spice level.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook and cool the rice ahead of time and prep the sauce ingredients in advance. This makes assembling and cooking quick and easy when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings tropical sweetness and comforting warmth to your dinner table. Once you try this vibrant, juicy chicken with its sticky-sweet glaze over fluffy rice, it’s sure to become your go-to weeknight favorite or a delightful dish to impress guests. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret the tropical journey your taste buds will take!
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Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that combines tender, sautéed chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks in a glossy, tangy sauce. Served over fluffy white or jasmine rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice for a satisfying tropical-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
Carbohydrates
- 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Pantry
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to coat the pan evenly and prepare for sautéing the chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the sauce in skillet: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the pineapple chunks to the sauce.
- Simmer chicken and pineapple: Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce and pineapple. Simmer together for another 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to become glossy and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Prepare the rice and garnish: While the chicken simmers, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. When the chicken is done, garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle red chili flakes if using for a mild heat boost.
- Serve: Spoon generous portions of the pineapple chicken mixture over the fluffy rice. Serve immediately to enjoy the tropical flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience—just ensure it is well drained to avoid excess liquid.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is specifically labeled gluten-free.
- This dish can be paired with steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover rice.
