If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of tanginess all in one pot, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s bursting with tropical pineapple chunks, tender chicken thighs, and fragrant jasmine rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this one-skillet wonder is sure to become a favorite staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are both simple and thoughtfully chosen to bring out a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role, from the juicy pineapple adding a fresh burst, to the tender chicken thighs keeping things rich and satisfying, and jasmine rice providing a fluffy base that ties everything together.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, better than breast for this recipe’s rich flavor.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned adds the perfect sweet contrast.
- 1 cup jasmine rice: Aromatic and fluffy, soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and cooks the rice perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For a salty umami kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing veggies and chicken without overpowering flavors.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a sweet, aromatic base for the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds a fresh, zesty note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overshadowing.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften and their natural sweetness emerges, about 5 minutes. This base not only creates fantastic flavor but also adds lovely texture to your dish.
Step 2: Add garlic and ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let them cook for another minute until fragrant—this step unlocks layers of warmth and zest that make every bite special.
Step 3: Brown the chicken
Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show: bite-sized chicken thigh pieces. Season them with salt and pepper and cook in the skillet until golden and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. This caramelization boosts the depth of flavor in your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Step 4: Combine rice and liquids
Pour in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, and soy sauce, mixing everything together evenly. Then, gently fold in those irresistible pineapple chunks to infuse a touch of tropical sweetness throughout the dish.
Step 5: Simmer until perfect
Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the rich flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 6: Final fluff and rest
After cooking, keep the skillet covered and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes. This resting period ensures the rice achieves the ideal fluffy texture. Finally, fluff everything with a fork to combine and serve up your masterpiece with confidence.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For added freshness and crunch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. Toasted sesame seeds are also lovely for a nutty contrast that enhances this dish’s layered flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
If you want to balance out the richness, consider serving a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or snap peas alongside. The fresh veggies provide a nice crunch and a touch of lightness to each plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in hollowed bell pepper halves for a colorful, eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, plating it over a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled pineapple rings adds an extra tropical touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a wallet-friendly and delicious lunch or dinner option just waiting to be reheated.
Freezing
To keep it fresh longer, freeze the dish in portions using freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months and makes an easy, flavorful meal when you’re short on time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave covered to retain moisture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating helps revive the rice’s fluffiness and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts will also work; just be sure to not overcook to avoid drying out.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple offers brighter, crisper flavor, but canned pineapple works wonderfully in this recipe as well, especially if you choose chunks packed in juice rather than syrup.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, and you’re all set.
What can I substitute jasmine rice with?
You can swap jasmine rice for basmati or long-grain white rice. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly with different rice types.
How spicy is this dish?
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally mild, making it family-friendly. To add some heat, you can incorporate sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe a try enough—it’s an effortless, comforting meal filled with sunshine flavors that everyone will love. Once you’ve had one taste, it’s sure to become a go-to dinner for vibrant weeknights and special occasions alike. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs, sweet pineapple chunks, and fragrant jasmine rice cooked together with savory soy sauce and aromatic vegetables. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Produce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Condiments & Oils
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add aromatics. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Cook chicken. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is partially cooked.
- Add rice and liquids. Stir in jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil to initiate cooking the rice.
- Simmer covered. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and fluff. Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking. Then fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh or canned pineapple chunks works well; drain canned pineapple if excess juice is present.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding garlic and ginger.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- Serve with steamed greens or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the skillet used has a tight-fitting lid to properly simmer the rice.
