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

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Maybe a bubbling casserole, a creamy pasta dish, or a warm bowl of stew. But sometimes, comfort comes with a splash of vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and the sizzle of a skillet brimming with tropical aromas. Enter: Pineapple Chicken and Rice—a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and satisfying, all made in one pan.

This tropical-inspired dish balances juicy pineapple, tender chicken breast, and aromatic jasmine rice, seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of sesame. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and nutritious enough for weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste.

Let’s dive deep into this delightful fusion of flavors and learn why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

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🛒 Ingredients Overview

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

🍗 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.

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🔪 Step-by-Step 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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⏱️ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

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🧑‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

1. One-Pan Simplicity
   You won’t need a stack of pots and pans—just one trusty skillet. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and quick cleanup.
2. Balanced Nutrition
   With lean protein, complex carbs, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying.
3. Flavor Fusion
   From the subtle sweetness of pineapple to the earthy bite of garlic and the umami richness of soy sauce—each bite is a burst of well-rounded flavor.
4. Customizable
   Want to turn up the heat? Add red pepper flakes. Need a vegetarian version? Substitute tofu for chicken and veggie broth instead.

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🌶️ Make It Your Own: Variations

• Tropical Fried Rice Style: Use day-old rice and stir-fry it with all the same ingredients for a crispier texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of Sriracha for heat lovers.
• Hawaiian Touch: Stir in cooked ham or bacon for an extra smoky, island-style flavor.
• More Veggies: Add peas, corn, or snap peas to increase the veggie count without overpowering the main flavors.

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🍷 What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you want to complete the meal, here are a few pairing ideas:

• Simple Cucumber Salad: The crispness balances the warm sweetness of the main dish.
• Steamed Broccoli or Snow Peas: Keeps things green and clean.
• A Chilled White Wine: Try Riesling or Pinot Grigio to complement the fruity notes.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is everything we love in a home-cooked meal: bold flavors, warm comfort, nutritional balance, and minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect intersection of global flavor and weeknight practicality. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this recipe checks all the right boxes.

So next time you see a ripe pineapple or are craving something new—don’t just think dessert. Think dinner, tropical-style.

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