Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful dinner that bursts with tropical flavors and comforting goodness, this easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining savory chicken with sweet pineapple chunks and fluffy rice, it’s a one-pan wonder that brings island vibes right to your kitchen. This recipe not only delivers incredible taste but also makes for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A burst of tropical flavor: The combination of pineapple and chicken creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
• Kid-friendly and family-approved: The mild, flavorful dish pleases even picky eaters.
• Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable ingredients: Easy to swap or add veggies based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create incredible taste and texture. Each element plays a role—from juicy chicken thighs for tenderness to vibrant bell peppers for color and crunch.

• Chicken thighs: Use boneless skinless for juicy, flavorful meat that cooks quickly.
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned, they add sweet, tangy notes that brighten the dish.
• Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the rich sauce and juices perfectly.
• Bell peppers: Adds crunch and colorful vibrancy.
• Garlic and ginger: Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and a slight zing.
• Soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth to complement the pineapple.
• Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and flavorful as it cooks.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony freshness.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing veggies.

Variations for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tweak depending on your dietary needs or what you have available. Feel free to get creative and personalize the dish to your liking.

• Swap chicken for tofu: Perfect for a vegetarian or vegan twist using firm tofu cubes.
• Add extra veggies: Incorporate snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for added crunch and nutrition.
• Use brown rice or jasmine rice: For a nuttier flavor and different texture.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, chop the bell peppers, mince the garlic and ginger, and drain pineapple chunks if using canned.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic, ginger, and bell peppers until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the oil and aromatics, then pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned chicken to the skillet along with pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Fluff rice gently with a fork, stirring in sliced green onions for freshness. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with extra pineapple or green onions on top.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to breasts, especially when cooked with rice.
• Don’t skip browning: Searing the chicken first adds rich flavor to the entire dish.
• Cover tightly when simmering: Traps steam to cook rice perfectly and keeps chicken moist.
• Let it rest off the heat: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes to settle flavors.
• Fresh pineapple rocks: If possible, use fresh pineapple chunks for better sweetness and texture.

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro on top to brighten the dish with fresh herbaceous notes. A few toasted sesame seeds also add delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe with steamed broccoli or a crisp garden salad for balance. For a more indulgent meal, coconut shrimp or garlic butter green beans complement perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in pineapple boats by hollowing out fresh pineapples for a fun and festive presentation. Alternatively, plate with a wedge of lime to squeeze over just before eating, enhancing the tropical zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before fully cooking rice or slightly undercook rice so it doesn’t become mushy after reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. Avoid overheating to keep chicken tender and rice fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine but may cook faster and can be less juicy, so adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.

What type of rice is best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe due to its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors, but jasmine or brown rice can also be used.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, just replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is the dish?

This recipe is mild by default but can be made spicy with additions like red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is a tropical treasure that transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful feast. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for any night you want a little island-inspired magic on your plate. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!

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