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Pineapple Chicken Rice 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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