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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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Short Description

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a flavorful soy-based sauce served over fluffy rice. This dish perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors
  • Easy to make in under an hour
  • One-pan meal for minimal cleanup
  • Family-friendly and great for meal prep
  • Can be customized with different vegetables or protein options

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken and Marinade:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • Pineapple juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • Chicken broth
  • Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • Brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Red bell pepper, chopped
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Rice:

  • Jasmine or basmati rice
  • Water or chicken broth

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Add cubed chicken, coat well, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice:

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
  2. Cook according to package instructions using water or chicken broth for added flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until golden brown. Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. In the same pan, add chopped bell peppers and sauté until slightly softened.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, and any leftover marinade.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce to thicken.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Serve the pineapple chicken over warm rice.
  2. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
  • Extra Veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for more texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Grilled Version: Grill marinated chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just be sure to use pineapple in juice, not syrup.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice pairs well, but brown rice can be used for a healthier option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything in advance and store separately for easy reheating.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use more cornstarch slurry if needed, but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating for the best flavor absorption.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Steamed vegetables, a side salad, or Hawaiian rolls complement this dish well.

How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and avoid overcooking.

Can I use coconut rice instead?

Yes! Cook the rice with coconut milk instead of water for extra tropical flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet pineapple balances the savory flavors, making it appealing to kids.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. With its juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce, this meal is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it over rice for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet and savory dish packed with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and a flavorful teriyaki-inspired sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying dish the whole family will love!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For the Rice & Extras:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • ½ red bell pepper (diced)
  • ½ green bell pepper (diced)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

  • Cook jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well.
  • Mix in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, and diced bell peppers to the skillet.
  • Stir and cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve & Garnish:

  • Serve the pineapple chicken over rice.
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
  • Substitute protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

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