Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a delicious, one-pan meal that balances savory chicken with sweet pineapple and fragrant rice. This easy recipe comes together quickly and offers a perfect mix of tropical flavors and comforting textures.

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: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes 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, toasting it in the skillet for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent 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, and pineapple. Stir to evenly distribute everything in the rice mixture.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed, avoiding lifting the lid during cooking.
7. Step 7: Check if the rice is fully cooked. If still firm, add a bit more broth or water, cover, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving for added freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, tangier flavor, but canned pineapple works well if drained thoroughly.
• Cook chicken in batches if making a large quantity to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
• Add extra vegetables like carrots or spinach to increase nutrition and color.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to balance sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
• Cook on low heat after adding liquids to prevent the rice from burning and to blend flavors nicely.

Storage

Store leftover Pineapple Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve texture. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of chicken broth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through.

Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Absolutely! Mango or papaya can be great tropical alternatives to pineapple, adding a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and sweet, tropical pineapple with savory seasonings. This easy-to-make dish blends the umami of soy sauce and ginger with the fresh sweetness of pineapple and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect, satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and vibrant.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)

Grains and Liquids

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 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 chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, allowing it to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Add the ground ginger and ground cumin, then stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Mix in the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and the pineapple pieces. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the skillet.
6. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed, avoiding lifting the lid to keep steam inside.
7. Check and Adjust: Check the rice for doneness; if still firm, add a little more chicken broth or water, cover again, and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Fluff and Season: Once tender, fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for freshness and color before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for vibrant flavor; if canned, drain thoroughly.
• Cook chicken in batches if making a large quantity to avoid overcrowding and ensure browning.
• Customize with extra vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or additional bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to suit preferred sweetness and saltiness.
• Cook on low heat after adding broth to prevent rice from burning and ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Pineapple chicken rice, tropical chicken rice, easy chicken rice recipe, one-pan chicken meal, sweet and savory chicken rice