There’s something about tropical flavors that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked paradise, even if you’re just in your kitchen at home. This Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
This recipe combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all infused with a delicious blend of seasonings that make each bite absolutely irresistible. It’s a dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside escape or just want to add a bit of sunshine to your meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor – The combination of pineapple and savory chicken creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy goodness.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great recipe for home cooks of all levels.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this tropical twist on classic chicken and rice.
- Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or packed lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or your preferred rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Pineapple Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- ½ teaspoon ginger (grated or powdered)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How to Make Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Sauce
In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and let them caramelize for about 2 minutes. Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the pineapple sauce, making sure every piece is coated in that delicious tropical glaze. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the rice onto plates or into bowls, then top with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Sweetness – While canned pineapple works, fresh pineapple adds a richer, natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Cook just until golden brown to keep it juicy and tender.
- For Extra Flavor, Marinate the Chicken – Let the chicken sit in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make It Spicy – Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a little heat.
- Try Different Proteins – This dish works well with shrimp or tofu for a tasty variation.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Notes
- If you want a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- You can swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~7g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~12g
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the sauce too watery.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the rice and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat everything and toss the chicken in the pineapple sauce.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or even a tropical fruit salad for a full island-inspired meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight is a meal that brings warmth and sunshine to your dinner table. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight
Description
There’s something about tropical flavors that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked paradise, even if you’re just in your kitchen at home. This Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
This recipe combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all infused with a delicious blend of seasonings that make each bite absolutely irresistible. It’s a dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside escape or just want to add a bit of sunshine to your meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or your preferred rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Pineapple Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- ½ teaspoon ginger (grated or powdered)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and let them caramelize for about 2 minutes. Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the pineapple sauce, making sure every piece is coated in that delicious tropical glaze. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Spoon the rice onto plates or into bowls, then top with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- If you want a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- You can swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.