Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a tropical escape right from your kitchen, this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is your golden ticket. Bursting with sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, it’s a quick, flavorful dish that brings sunshine vibes to any weeknight. Perfect for anyone who loves a balance of savory and sweet, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a meal that will have you reaching for seconds—with zero fuss involved.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with savory chicken and tangy sauces.
• One-Pan Convenience: It all cooks together, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Family Friendly: Mild and tasty, it satisfies kids and adults alike without complicated ingredients.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Colorful Presentation: Vibrant hues from pineapple, peppers, and rice make it as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy-to-gather list comes together effortlessly, with each ingredient playing a key part in the texture and flavor of your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. From juicy pineapples to fragrant jasmine rice, these essentials make a satisfying tropical feast.

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein.
• Fresh or canned pineapple chunks: Sweet and tangy, these add the tropical twist that defines this dish.
• Jasmine rice: Its delicate aroma perfectly complements the pineapple’s sweetness.
• Bell peppers: They add crunch, color, and mild sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami flavor.
• Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics to elevate the dish.
• Green onions: Fresh, zesty garnish to brighten every bite.
• Honey or brown sugar: Balances the salty soy sauce with sweetness.
• Rice vinegar or lime juice: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
• Olive or vegetable oil: Needed for sautéing the chicken and veggies.

Variations for Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This recipe is your blank canvas—easily customized to fit your pantry items, dietary needs, or flavor cravings. Try these ideas to make it uniquely yours!

• Swap Proteins: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for different textures and tastes.
• Add Heat: Include crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kickoff.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
• Boost Veggies: Mix in snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for more color and crunch.
• Change the Rice: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to mix up textures or lower carbs.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Dice bell peppers and green onions, and have your pineapple chunks ready, whether fresh or drained canned pineapple.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions with a pinch of salt. Fluffy rice is key to complementing the saucy chicken and pineapple mix.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken pieces. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway to brown each side. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables and Pineapple

In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger for a fragrant base, followed by diced bell peppers. Sauté until they soften but retain crunch, then stir in pineapple chunks to warm through.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Combine

Pour in soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. Stir well, then return chicken to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to coat chicken and veggies in the flavorful glaze.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Plate the hot cooked rice and pour the chicken and pineapple mixture on top. Sprinkle finished dishes with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to breasts when cooked quickly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give chicken pieces space to brown evenly for better flavor.
• Let the Sauce Reduce: Thicken the pineapple-soy mixture slightly to avoid a watery dish.
• Toast Your Rice: For extra nutty flavor, lightly toast dry rice in the pan before cooking.
• Fresh Pineapple Over Canned: It adds a brighter, fresher sweetness, but canned works great too!

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds amplify the visual appeal and flavor, adding crunch and subtle nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to keep the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun tropical vibe, serve the dish in hollowed-out pineapple halves or alongside grilled pineapple rings to impress guests with presentation and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; separate into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture, or microwave covered until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh or canned?

Yes! Frozen pineapple works well—just thaw it slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

By default no, because soy sauce contains gluten. However, using tamari or coconut aminos makes it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use plant-based sauces to keep all the vibrant taste intact.

What rice works best for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance and texture, but you can substitute basmati or even brown rice with slight adjustments to cooking times.

How spicy is this dish?

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is mild by default, but you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is a delightful way to bring a burst of tropical flavor to your everyday meals. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for anyone looking to mix things up without any complicated fuss. Give it a try, and prepare to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share your meal!

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