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🍍 Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Tropical Twist on a One-Pan Favorite

 

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish so special:

Ingredients

🍗 Chicken Breast

  • 1 pound, cubed: Lean, protein-packed, and cooks quickly. Chicken breast is ideal for weeknight meals and soaks up surrounding flavors beautifully.

🍍 Pineapple

  • 1 cup, cubed: Adds natural sweetness and acidity. Fresh is best, but canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) works great in a pinch.

🧅 Aromatics

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    These aromatic vegetables build the flavorful base for the dish.

🍚 Jasmine Rice

  • 1 cup: This fragrant, slightly sticky rice complements the juicy pineapple and savory chicken perfectly. Make sure to rinse it for the best texture.

🥣 Liquids & Seasoning

  • 2 cups chicken broth: Adds richness and depth.

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides umami and salt.

  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds a zingy warmth.

  • Salt and pepper to taste

🧅 Garnish

  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    These final touches bring texture, color, and a burst of flavor to your finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and no steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the kitchen smells amazing.

Then add the pineapple cubes and cook for another 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the pineapple slightly, intensifying its flavor.

🍍 Bonus Flavor Tip: If you’re using fresh pineapple, sear the chunks briefly to bring out their natural sugars.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Add the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

🕰️ Make Ahead Option: You can par-cook the rice earlier in the day or even use day-old cooked jasmine rice for a quicker version. Just reduce broth accordingly.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

Once the rice is done, gently stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix well and allow everything to heat through for another 3–5 minutes.

This is the moment when all the flavors truly come together. The chicken reabsorbs the tropical steam and turns irresistibly juicy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your tropical escape—right from your own kitchen.

Notes

⏱️ Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

  • Author: niold.com