Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will instantly transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise? This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combining tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and aromatic jasmine rice into one irresistible skillet meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. This one-pan wonder is as comforting as it is exciting—bursting with color, texture, and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cubed – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tender results.
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed – Fresh pineapple is preferred, but canned chunks will also work well (drained).
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Yellow or white onions are great for a rich aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a deeper, authentic flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds crunch, color, and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup jasmine rice – Its fragrant, floral notes enhance the overall profile.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Opt for low-sodium if you’d like better control over saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds umami depth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – Offers a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of pineapple.
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper.
- Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cubed pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The pineapple should caramelize slightly and infuse the dish with natural sweetness.
Add Rice and Simmer
- Stir in jasmine rice and let it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes, coating it with the vegetable and pineapple mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice mixture.
- Let it cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, just enough to reheat the chicken and marry the flavors.
- Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve
Serve hot, directly from the skillet. This dish is delightful as-is, but pairs well with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a full meal.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Quick and Efficient: 40 minutes from prep to plate makes this recipe perfect for busy nights.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet pineapple offsets the umami chicken and savory soy for a beautifully rounded flavor.
- Nutritious and Filling: It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, yet light and wholesome.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking.
- Customizable: Great as a base recipe—swap in your favorite veggies or sauces to suit your palate.
Tips for Best Results
- Go Fresh with Pineapple: If you have time, use fresh pineapple. Its acidity and sweetness add more depth compared to canned.
- Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice: Briefly toasting the jasmine rice in the pan before adding the liquid brings out its nutty aroma.
- Let the Rice Rest: Once done, allow the skillet to sit (covered) for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the rice finish steaming and keeps it fluffy.
- Cut Evenly: Dice chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Soy Sauce Control: Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out.
Make It Your Own
- Add Heat: Toss in red pepper flakes, sliced chilies, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for a spicy variation.
- Tropical Touch: Add shredded coconut or a splash of pineapple juice to intensify the island-inspired flavors.
- Veggie Boost: Snap peas, baby corn, shredded carrots, or broccoli all pair beautifully.
- Protein Swap: This dish works just as well with shrimp, tofu, or pork.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water, or microwave covered for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time (up to 40–45 minutes) and may need additional broth. You can also parboil the brown rice first to reduce skillet cooking time.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that amazing sweet and savory profile.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a light coconut soup to round it out.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe offers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors with a warm tropical flair. Whether you’re craving something different for a weeknight dinner or want to surprise guests with an exotic yet comforting dish, this skillet recipe delivers every time. With minimal prep, customizable ingredients, and a rich profile that keeps everyone going back for seconds, this meal is bound to become a household staple.