Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Easy Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice. Bursting with tropical vibes and quick to prepare, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Produce
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white or jasmine rice, rinsed
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Chili flakes or fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions) for garnish and heat
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cube fresh pineapple if not pre-cut. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
- Cook the rice: Cook your rice according to package instructions, either on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, so it’s ready as the chicken finishes cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics and chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- Add the pineapple and bell peppers: Stir in the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers. Cook together for a few minutes to blend flavors and slightly soften the veggies.
- Pour in the sauce and simmer: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and honey (or brown sugar). Pour the sauce over the chicken and pineapple mixture. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Combine with rice and serve: Once the sauce is rich and chicken is fully cooked, serve the Tropical Pineapple Chicken over the cooked rice or fold them together in the skillet. Garnish with optional herbs or chili flakes, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose fresh, ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and juiciness.
- Rinse rice before cooking to ensure fluffy and separate grains.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your personal taste before simmering.
- Use a large skillet or wok to avoid overcrowding and evenly cook the ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: tropical chicken, pineapple chicken, easy chicken recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, family-friendly, gluten-free, savory and sweet