Tropical Delight: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that sizzle with excitement, and this tropical pineapple chicken and rice strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

Juicy chicken pieces dance with tangy pineapple chunks, creating a vibrant melody of taste in every bite.

The golden rice soaks up all the delicious marinade, infusing each grain with tropical warmth.

Quick and easy to prepare, this dish brings Caribbean-inspired excitement to your table in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of green onions add brightness to the colorful plate.

Succulent chicken glazed with pineapple promises a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Grab your skillet and let deliciousness begin!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice: Fragrant and fluffy grains that create a delightful foundation for the Hawaiian-inspired dish, with subtle nutty undertones and light texture.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs the tropical marinade perfectly, ensuring juicy and flavorful protein for the meal.

• Fresh Pineapple, Canned Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy tropical fruit that brings bright, zesty notes and natural tenderizing enzymes to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Rich umami liquid that adds depth and authentic Asian-inspired seasoning to the dish.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully and balances the savory elements of the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust, pungent undertone to the marinade.
• Ginger: Spicy and warming root that contributes a fresh, zingy complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Green Onions: Crisp, mild allium that adds a fresh, sharp accent and beautiful green color to the final presentation.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty, toasted seeds that provide a delicate crunch and authentic Asian-inspired garnish.

Items You Need For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating a flavorful sauce.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping pineapple, chicken, and other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken and dice pineapple chunks cleanly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Rice Cooker or Pot: Used for preparing fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.

Steps For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Prepare Rice

Boil your chosen rice until fluffy and fragrant, then set it aside to keep warm.

• Marinate Chicken

Mix chicken pieces with savory soy sauce, tangy pineapple juice, and a splash of ginger for extra zest.

• Sear Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and cook chicken until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

• Create Sauce

Combine fresh pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic to craft a mouthwatering glaze.

• Combine and Simmer

Pour the vibrant sauce over the seared chicken and let it bubble and caramelize for a few minutes.

• Add Vegetables

Toss in colorful bell peppers and sliced onions, cooking until they’re tender yet still have a slight crunch.

• Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the glossy chicken and vegetables over the warm rice, garnishing with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Flavor Notes For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Grilling Pro-Tip: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the tropical essence.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to increase heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce one day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and meld together for deeper taste profile.

Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice With Style

• Tropical Luau Plating: Arrange the golden-brown chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, then garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for a stunning island-inspired presentation.
• Weekend Meal Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp side salad drizzled with light sesame dressing or serve alongside grilled vegetables to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Transformation: Pack the chicken and rice in individual containers for a delightful portable lunch, keeping the components separate to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the chicken and rice in a large, colorful ceramic platter, encouraging everyone to scoop their own portions and enjoy a communal dining experience with Hawaiian vibes.

Storage Tips For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess, keeping ingredients fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers, which stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed, allowing convenient future meal preparation.
• Reheating Pro Tip: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, preventing dryness and maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Ingredient Separation Technique: Keep pineapple pieces separate from chicken when storing to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their vibrant, fresh taste during storage.

Tropical Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Hawaiian pineapple chicken and rice blends tropical flavors into a delightful meal. Sweet and tangy ingredients create a perfect balance of Hawaiian-inspired comfort for dinner lovers.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ½ red bell pepper
• ½ green bell pepper
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions, aiming for light, fluffy grains that will complement the tropical chicken medley.
2. Ingredient Preparation: Uniformly dice pineapple and chicken breasts, removing excess fat, and season protein with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, massaging spices thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Protein Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, creating a caramelized exterior while maintaining inner tenderness.
4. Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, introduce onions and bell peppers, cooking until slightly translucent, then add pineapple chunks to develop a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.
5. Sauce Integration: Combine soy sauce, honey, and ginger to create a glossy sauce, returning cooked chicken to the skillet and gently tossing to ensure complete flavor coverage and ingredient cohesion.
6. Plating: Transfer the aromatic tropical chicken mixture over prepared rice, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to elevate the dish’s herbal brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Pineapple Selection: Choose ripe, golden pineapples with minimal brown spots for maximum sweetness and juiciness, ensuring vibrant flavor in the final dish.
• Control Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown sear, preventing steaming and promoting crisp exterior.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to create glossy coating without becoming too runny or overly thick, maintaining ideal sauce texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha for those wanting extra heat, allowing flexible flavor adaptation for different palate preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg