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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is a one-pan tropical delight combining savory boneless skinless chicken thighs, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vibrant bell peppers, it delivers a quick, flavorful meal that’s kid-friendly and family-approved. Ready in under 30 minutes, it brings island vibes and comforting goodness to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced

Produce

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Sweetener

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat compared to breasts.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken to add rich flavor to the entire dish.
  • Cover the skillet tightly while simmering to trap steam and cook rice perfectly.
  • Let the dish rest covered off heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Fresh pineapple chunks deliver better sweetness and texture than canned if available.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, one-pan dinner, tropical chicken recipe, chicken and rice, quick dinner, family-friendly meal, gluten-free dinner