Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet and Savory Tropical Delight

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with sweet and savory flavors, is hearty yet fresh, and combines juicy chicken with vibrant vegetables and fragrant rice, then this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful, one-pot meal that balances tender chicken, the tropical sweetness of pineapple, and the crunch of fresh peas and bell peppers. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a taste of the tropics on your plate.

Ready in under an hour, this recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a delicious glaze that ties everything together beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced sweet and savory flavors: The pineapple and honey add a delightful sweetness, while soy sauce and garlic provide savory depth.
• Nutritious and colorful: Packed with vegetables like bell pepper, peas, and onions for vitamins and crunch.
• One-pot convenience: Cook the rice and chicken separately, but the sauce and veggies come together quickly.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins.
• Meal prep friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice: Use long-grain rice for fluffy, separate grains.
• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed: Tender, lean protein.
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained): Adds tropical sweetness.
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced: For crunch and color.
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas: Adds freshness and texture.
• 1 onion, diced: The savory base.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing.
• 2 tbsp honey (optional): Boosts sweetness and caramelization.
• 1 tsp ginger, grated: Adds warmth and zing.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. For fluffier rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Set aside once cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced bell pepper and snap peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, maintaining some crunch.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, honey (if using), and grated ginger. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pineapple, and Rice

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and stir everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked rice, making sure the rice is well mixed with the saucy chicken and veggies.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and a beautiful finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Use fresh pineapple if possible: It provides the best texture and flavor, but canned works fine if drained well.
• Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep them slightly crisp to add texture contrast.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the honey or omit it altogether.
• Marinate the chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken cubes in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Use jasmine rice for fragrance: If you want a more aromatic dish, jasmine rice is a great substitute.

Variations

• Add crunch with cashews or peanuts: Toss in roasted nuts just before serving.
• Use different proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Add more veggies: Include carrots, zucchini, or baby corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt added.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
• Not ideal for freezing as pineapple can become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Cook it separately and adjust cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have snap peas?

Snow peas, green beans, or sugar snap peas all work well as substitutes.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by cooking it just until opaque and slightly browned, then removing it before adding vegetables.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, cook all components and store separately or combined in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors all in one satisfying dish. Its vibrant colors and textures make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve guests, it’s a tropical-inspired comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again.

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