Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Chicken with Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering pineapple chicken with rice promises a tropical adventure for your taste buds.

sweet and tangy flavors dance across your plate in this delightful culinary creation.

Each bite combines juicy chicken with caramelized pineapple chunks that sing with vibrant island notes.

Fragrant rice provides the perfect canvas for this delectable dish.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Succulent protein and bright fruit create a harmony that will transport you to a sunny paradise.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible recipe.

What’s Great About Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this tropical chicken dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering balance that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.

Versatile Meal Prep Champion: This recipe easily adapts to different dietary needs – swap protein, adjust spice levels, or use leftover rice to create a completely customized dinner that keeps everyone happy.

One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dishes, allowing more time to enjoy your delectable tropical chicken creation.

Pineapple Chicken with Rice Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the star of the dish, soft and tender when marinated and cooked perfectly. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken for best results.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar: Combination creates a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile. Look for low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the marinade. Fresh garlic provides the most robust taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a gentle heat kick to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide texture and subtle sweetness. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.
• Pineapple Chunks: Brings tropical sweetness and tangy flavor. Fresh pineapple recommended for brightest taste.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish. Use a small amount for best results.
• Water: Used to mix with cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking. Extra virgin olive oil adds nice flavor.
• Rice: Serves as a base for the dish. White or brown rice work well.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish and added brightness.

Pineapple Chicken with Rice Sheet Pan Prep

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Bath

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Submerge chicken breasts in this magical mixture, letting them soak up the goodness for 20 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Rescue the chicken from its flavor bath, saving the liquid gold marinade.

Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Once cooked through, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Dance with Vegetables

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in chopped onions and bell peppers.

Let them party for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become tender.

Add minced garlic and pineapple chunks, continuing the flavor celebration for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Magic

Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Want a thicker sauce?

Mix cornstarch with a splash of water and swirl it into the pan, stirring until the sauce transforms into a luscious, glossy coating.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slice the cooked chicken into beautiful pieces and return them to the skillet.

Introduce fluffy rice to the mix, tossing everything to ensure each grain gets a perfect sauce massage.

Let it all heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and bursting with tropical vibes.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Sheet Pan Tips

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes to allow the soy sauce, honey, and spices to deeply penetrate the meat for a more delicious result.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, which guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, adding more for a spicy kick or omitting completely for a milder dish.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the pan to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce instantly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the chicken's tenderness and sauce's consistency.

Storing Pineapple Chicken with Rice Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated completely through.
• Place portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Serve Alongside Pineapple Chicken & Rice

• Tropical Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that complements the dish's sweet and tangy pineapple flavors, balancing the savory chicken with its light, refreshing profile.
• Herbaceous Cocktail Companion: Mix a tropical mojito using white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and a splash of pineapple juice to echo the dish's fruity undertones and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Create a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette, featuring orange segments and toasted macadamia nuts to provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, saucy chicken.
• Cooling Beverage Match: Serve chilled coconut water or a light ginger beer to cut through the dish's richness and refresh the palate with a subtle tropical hint.

Pineapple Chicken With Sweet And Savory Changes

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate plant-based protein in the same sauce and pan-fry until golden and crispy.
• Spicy Island Remix: Add habanero or scotch bonnet peppers for an authentic Caribbean heat. Incorporate fresh mango chunks alongside pineapple for extra tropical flavor complexity.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos. Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener to decrease overall sugar content while maintaining similar flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade well, ensuring tender and flavorful results.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add more red pepper flakes or include some fresh chopped jalapeños during the vegetable sauté stage to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish completely gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels carefully.

• How can I enhance the tropical flavor?

Consider adding a splash of coconut milk to the sauce or garnishing with toasted coconut flakes to intensify the tropical profile and create more depth in the dish.

Pineapple Chicken with Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent tropical pineapple chicken dances with Caribbean flavors, blending tangy fruit and tender meat in one irresistible dish. Saucy rice and juicy chicken promise a delightful escape you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fresh Produce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Accompaniment:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then submerge chicken breasts, allowing them to absorb flavors for 20 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Extract chicken from marinade, reserving liquid for later use. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic and pineapple chunks, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop deep flavor profiles.
4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. For a more luxurious sauce consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then incorporate into the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into elegant strips and reintroduce to the skillet. Fold in prepared rice, ensuring each grain is generously coated with the tropical sauce. Warm thoroughly for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and temperatures.
6. Present the dish garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, offering a bright, herbaceous finish to this sweet and savory tropical creation.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing seasonings to penetrate meat thoroughly.
• Use fresh pineapple for brighter, more vibrant taste compared to canned alternatives.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making dish mild or fiery based on preference.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, maintaining similar cooking technique and marinade.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg