Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant rice. This dish brings a perfect balance of savory and tropical flavors, making it a delightful choice for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and toast it slightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Add the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables (if using), and pineapple. Stir to distribute everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
7. Step 7: Check the rice for doneness. If still firm, add a bit more chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer another 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use jasmine rice for a more aromatic dish.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts to keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced chili pepper for a spicy kick.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Fresh pineapple provides better texture and flavor, but canned works well in a pinch—just drain well.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth accordingly and simmer until the rice is tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

Delicious Pineapple Chicken Rice combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant jasmine rice and sweet, tangy pineapple, all simmered together with savory soy sauce, ginger, and cumin to create a flavorful one-pan meal. This tropical-inspired dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

Carbohydrates

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)

Liquids and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, toasting it in the skillet for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances the rice’s flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Mix in the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple, ensuring the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture.
6. Simmer the Mixture: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain steam.
7. Check and Finish Cooking: After simmering, check the rice for doneness. If still firm, add a little more chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes as needed.
8. Fluff and Season: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.

Notes

• Use jasmine rice for extra fragrance and a slightly sticky texture that pairs well with this dish.
• Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Optional vegetables like frozen peas add color and extra nutrients but can be omitted if preferred.
• Honey is optional and can be left out to reduce sugar content or substitute with maple syrup.
• Cover the skillet tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control saltiness according to your taste.
• This dish reheats well and can be made ahead for meal prep.

Keywords: pineapple chicken rice, one-pan chicken recipe, easy chicken rice, tropical chicken recipe, quick dinner ideas