Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s both vibrant and satisfying, Pineapple Chicken and Rice is guaranteed to delight. The natural sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements tender chicken, while aromatic rice ties everything together in a meal that’s both balanced and simple to prepare. Bursting with tropical flavor and boasting colorful appeal, this dish is a reliable solution for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why Pineapple Chicken and Rice Is a Dinner Hero

This recipe stands out by transforming simple pantry staples and fresh produce into a bright, flavor-packed meal. The tangy pineapple not only adds a delicious contrast to the savory chicken but also infuses the entire dish with an irresistible freshness. Kids and adults alike love the satisfying combination, making it a true crowd pleaser—ideal for families or entertaining friends.

The Secret to Tender, Flavorful Chicken

Marinating diced chicken in a blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic lets the flavors meld, delivering juicy, well-seasoned bites in each forkful. A quick sauté ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, locking in all the tropical goodness.

Best Tips for Rice Perfection

Using jasmine or long-grain white rice keeps the dish light and fluffy. Cooking the rice in chicken broth—rather than water—enhances its savory character and perfectly complements the sweet, tangy chicken and pineapple.

How to Assemble Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Begin by marinating chicken for enhanced flavor, then sauté until golden and cooked through. In the same pan, cook onions, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks until they’re just tender, then return the chicken to the skillet. Add a simple sauce of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, letting everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors entwine. Serve over a mound of fragrant rice for a meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve family-style with lime wedges and extra pineapple on the side. For added crunch, lightly toasted cashews or sliced almonds make an excellent topping.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. Each portion has around 400-450 calories (depending on the type of rice and if nuts are added), plus a balanced mix of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. It’s a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice (Recap)

Sweet, tangy pineapple combined with tender chicken and savory rice creates a globally inspired meal that’s bursting with crowd-pleasing flavor. Fast, nutritious, and universally adored, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix diced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon pineapple juice, and minced garlic. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (longer if time allows).
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell pepper until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add pineapple chunks and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in remaining pineapple juice and honey. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the flavorful pineapple chicken mixture over cooked rice.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and toasted nuts if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is ideal for meal prep and weekly planning—make it ahead and portion into containers for a grab-and-go lunch or an easy heat-and-eat dinner. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan when you’ll enjoy it, consolidate ingredient totals for all your recipes, and simplify your shopping trip.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tallies up ingredient quantities across your planned recipes
• Sorts items by grocery store section for lightning-fast shopping
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Makes meal prep organized and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule your week’s meals to see ingredient overlaps—if you need peppers or rice for multiple meals, the total amount is calculated for you, reducing waste and overbuying.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes