Tangy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Sunny Dinners

Pineapple chicken and rice combines sweet tropical flavors with savory protein in a delightful culinary adventure.

Island-inspired dishes often marry unexpected ingredients to create memorable meal experiences.

Tangy fruit reimagines ordinary chicken into something spectacular and vibrant.

Tender meat absorbs complex marinades that elevate simple weeknight cooking into something extraordinary.

Balanced seasoning ensures each bite delivers a perfect harmony of taste sensations.

Robust spices complement the fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a dish that dances across your palate.

Colorful and inviting, this recipe promises a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Tips for Balance in Sweet and Savory Chicken Rice

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear, preventing clumpy, sticky grains.
• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in delicious flavors during high-heat cooking.
• Balance Sauce Flavors: Taste and adjust sauce ingredients to create a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy notes that complement the pineapple and chicken.
• Control Pineapple Moisture: Drain canned pineapple chunks or pat fresh pineapple dry to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery.
• Enhance Garnish Impact: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan to release their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to the final dish.

How to Store Pineapple Chicken Rice Without Drying It

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pineapple chicken and rice into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Revive on Stovetop: Warm chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until thoroughly warmed, about 3-4 minutes.

Pairing Ideas for This Tropical Chicken Dish

• Elevate Tropical Beverage Pairing: Complement the sweet and tangy pineapple chicken with a crisp, chilled Hawaiian Mai Tai cocktail or a light, fruity white wine like Riesling to enhance the dish's tropical flavor profile.
• Boost Flavor Contrast: Serve alongside a zesty cucumber-mint salad or a refreshing Asian slaw to provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, savory chicken and highlight the dish's vibrant ingredients.
• Enhance Texture Combination: Add a side of crispy vegetable spring rolls or prawn crackers to introduce a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and soft rice.
• Complete Dessert Finish: End the meal with a light coconut sorbet or passion fruit panna cotta to continue the tropical theme and cleanse the palate with a sweet, refreshing conclusion.

Ways to Add a New Twist to Pineapple Chicken

• Tropical Teriyaki Fusion: Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce, add mango chunks alongside pineapple, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an island-inspired version.
• Spicy Pineapple Express: Incorporate sriracha or red chili flakes into the sauce, use jalapeño peppers instead of bell peppers, and include a dash of lime juice for extra heat and tang.
• Coconut Curry Remix: Replace oyster sauce with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, and include some diced carrots for a creamy, aromatic alternative that brings Southeast Asian flavors to the dish.
• Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl: Transform the recipe into a quick stir-fry by using shorter cooking times, adding crisp vegetables like snap peas and broccoli, and serving over cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice That’s Tangy and Savory

• Burst of Sweet-Savory Flavors: The combination of tangy pineapple, soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce creates a magical flavor explosion that dances between sweet and savory, making every bite a delightful surprise.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Tropical Twist on Classic Comfort: The addition of juicy pineapple chunks transforms a simple chicken and rice dish into an exciting meal that brings a touch of tropical vacation to your dinner table.
• Versatile One-Skillet Magic: With minimal cleanup and the ability to cook everything in a single skillet, this recipe saves time and makes cooking a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels.

Ingredients List for Pineapple Chicken Rice Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates tender, bite-sized pieces for a hearty meal, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant white rice that provides a soft, fluffy base for the dish, perfect for absorbing delicious sauces.

• Pineapple Chunks, Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy elements that add vibrant color and tropical freshness to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, complex flavor foundation, choose fresh and firm produce for maximum taste.
• Green Onions: Bright garnish that adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and crisp texture to finish the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Honey: Combination of umami, sweet, and savory elements that create a rich, balanced sauce coating for the chicken and rice.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Pepper, Sesame Seeds: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor and provide a subtle nutty garnish.

Easy Cooking for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Jasmine Rice

Grab jasmine rice and rinse under cool water until water looks crystal clear. Use rice cooker or stovetop pot to prepare rice according to package directions. Let rice rest after cooking.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

• Chicken pieces
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Vegetable oil

Heat skillet over medium-high flame. Generously sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Pour oil into pan and cook chicken until golden brown and completely done. Transfer chicken to separate plate.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Red bell pepper

In same skillet, add extra oil if needed. Toss chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables soften and release delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Whisk Zesty Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Honey
• Fresh ginger

Combine all sauce ingredients in small bowl. Stir until well blended and smooth.

Step 5: Merge Flavors Together

Pour sauce over sautéed vegetables. Return chicken to skillet. Add pineapple chunks and mix thoroughly. Heat everything until warmed completely.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Scoop rice onto serving plates. Top with pineapple chicken mixture. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra pop of flavor.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired pineapple chicken with rice brings tropical sweetness to classic comfort cuisine. Juicy chicken pieces mingle with caramelized pineapple chunks, creating a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) jasmine rice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Green onions for garnish

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse jasmine rice under running water until liquid becomes transparent, eliminating excess starch and preventing clumping during cooking.
2. Prepare rice using preferred method, either rice cooker or stovetop, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
5. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot oil, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking.
6. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
7. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to capture existing flavor remnants.
8. Sauté vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
9. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and grated ginger in a small mixing bowl, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
10. Pour sauce mixture over sautéed vegetables, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify.
11. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the skillet, gently coating with sauce and vegetables.
12. Incorporate pineapple chunks, stirring carefully to distribute flavors evenly and heat thoroughly.
13. Plate fluffy jasmine rice as a foundation, topping with the vibrant pineapple chicken mixture.
14. Elevate presentation by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds as a final flourish.

Notes

• Uncover the secret to perfectly balanced pineapple chicken that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal bursting with tropical flavors.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting ginger and adding red pepper flakes for those craving extra zest in their dinner adventure.
• Maximize flavor potential by allowing chicken to marinate briefly in sauce mixture before cooking, ensuring deep penetration of delicious seasonings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg