Juicy Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this mouthwatering pineapple chicken rice recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and excitement.

Tropical sweetness meets savory satisfaction in a single skillet that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside fragrant rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

The juicy pineapple chunks add a bright, zesty twist that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Every bite delivers a burst of sunshine-inspired goodness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a weeknight winner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the magic of easy, delicious cooking.

How to Sauté Tropical Chicken and Pineapple Flavors

• Prepare Chicken Marinade

Blend soy sauce, spices, and cornstarch with chicken pieces. Let flavors mingle for a short time.

• Sizzle Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat pan with olive oil. Cook chicken until it turns beautifully brown and becomes fully tender. Set chicken aside.

• Create Vibrant Tropical Sauce

In the same pan, dance pineapple chunks with aromatic garlic and ginger. Pour in zesty liquids like pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and develop rich flavors.

• Thicken And Combine

Add cornstarch to create a silky sauce texture. Return chicken to pan, coating each piece with the luscious tropical glaze.

• Plate And Garnish

Nestle chicken over fluffy jasmine rice cooked with creamy coconut milk. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and toasted coconut. Finish with a bright lime squeeze for extra zing.

Variations for Tropical Chicken and Rice Dinners

• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense tropical taste and tenderness.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce components in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time.
• Replace chicken with tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the tropical essence intact.
• Adjust sriracha amount to match your heat preference – from mild to wild, making the dish perfect for every palate without overwhelming flavors.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve This Pineapple Chicken Over Warm Rice

• Tropical Island Plating: Create a vibrant Hawaiian-style plate with rice as the base, nestling golden chicken pieces on top and drizzling the glossy pineapple sauce around the edges for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Beach Potluck Partner: Pack this dish in a large container for summer gatherings, adding extra sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
• Flavor Boost Extras: Complement the meal with crisp cucumber salad, grilled pineapple rings, or a side of quick-pickled vegetables to enhance the tropical taste profile and add refreshing texture contrasts.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and sauce into a delicious wrap or stuff into warm tortillas for a next-day lunch that tastes even more complex and developed.

Storage Tips for Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain optimal taste and prevent moisture absorption.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave rice with a damp paper towel to maintain softness and prevent clumping.
• Package meal components individually in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor integrity.
• Prepare chicken and sauce in larger batches during weekends, portioning into grab-and-go containers. This strategy saves time, reduces daily cooking stress, and ensures delicious meals are always ready.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Chicken Pieces: Protein-packed canvas for tropical flavors, choose boneless thighs or breasts for tender results.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and helps tenderize meat.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory undertones.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky warmth and vibrant color.
• Cornstarch: Creates protective coating for juicy chicken, ensuring golden crispy exterior.

• Pineapple Chunks: Brings tropical sweetness and texture.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds pungent, robust flavor foundation.
• Fresh Ginger: Introduces zingy, bright notes.
• Pineapple Juice: Amplifies fruity essence and helps create silky sauce.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and glossy finish.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances flavors with gentle acidity.
• Sriracha: Optional spicy kick for adventurous palates.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, soft base for capturing delicious sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Enriches rice with creamy tropical undertones.
• Green Onions: Fresh, sharp garnish with vibrant color.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical texture and subtle sweetness.
• Lime: Bright citrus burst to elevate entire dish.

Cooking Tools for Making Pineapple Chicken & Rice

• Large Pan: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the tropical sauce, preferably non-stick or heavy-bottomed.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and sauces.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing sauce without scratching pan.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure pineapple juice and other liquid ingredients precisely.

Succulent Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling tropical pineapple chicken & rice delight delivers Caribbean sunshine on a plate, blending sweet and savory flavors. Juicy chicken nestled with fragrant rice promises a quick escape to island paradise that delights your senses and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) chicken breast or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice (from canned or fresh)
• 1 cup (150 g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 cups (340 g) cooked jasmine or brown rice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk (optional)
• 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsps water (to thicken)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ¼ cup (25 g) chopped green onions
• 2 tbsps toasted coconut flakes (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Infuse chicken pieces with a vibrant marinade of soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Allow flavors to meld for a brief moment while preparing the cooking surface.
2. Searing Technique: Ignite a large pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce marinated chicken, orchestrating a golden sear by rotating pieces periodically until achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Carefully transfer chicken to a temporary holding area.
3. Tropical Sauce Creation: Utilize the same pan, adding additional oil if necessary. Introduce pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and grated ginger, awakening their aromatic potential. Cascade pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha into the pan, creating a complex flavor profile. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, then incorporate a cornstarch slurry to transform the sauce into a luxurious, glossy consistency.
4. Harmonious Fusion: Reunite the expertly cooked chicken with the tropical sauce, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated. Let the ingredients dance together briefly, melding flavors and temperatures.
5. Elegant Presentation: Cascade the sauced chicken over jasmine rice prepared with coconut milk for an enhanced sensory experience. Elevate the dish with a artistic garnish of sliced green onions, sprinkled sesame seeds, toasted coconut flakes, and a vibrant lime squeeze to illuminate the tropical essence.

Notes

• Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in the refrigerator to enhance depth of taste and tenderness.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent over-thickening; start with small amounts and add incrementally while stirring.
• Modify sriracha quantity based on personal spice tolerance, or substitute with mild chili sauce for less intense heat.
• Swap chicken with tofu for vegetarian version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, and replace honey with maple syrup for vegan alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg