Description
There’s something special about the combination of sweet and savory flavors in a dish. It’s comforting yet exciting, familiar yet full of surprises. Pineapple Chicken and Rice is one of those meals that brings warmth to the dinner table, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, making it a family favorite and a great go-to for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to satisfy your cravings or something special to brighten up your dinner routine, this recipe is for you. The juicy pineapple chunks add a refreshing twist, while the chicken soaks up all the delicious seasonings, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients, so you don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up this incredible meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the seasoning coats every bite of chicken.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Pour in the uncooked rice and toast it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This step enhances the rice’s flavor, giving it a slightly nutty aroma.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once the liquid is simmering, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the pineapple chunks, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and mix in the flavors.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!