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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice for a quick, flavorful, and colorful one-pan meal. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and tangy elements, it’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Grains

  • 1 cup jasmine rice

Pantry and Condiments

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Dice the bell peppers and slice green onions. Prepare pineapple chunks, ensuring fresh or well-drained canned pineapple.
  2. Cook the Rice: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions with a pinch of salt until fluffy, setting aside once done.
  3. Sauté Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway to brown both sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Cook Vegetables and Pineapple: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; sauté briefly for fragrance. Add diced bell peppers and cook until softened but still crisp. Stir in pineapple chunks and warm through.
  5. Make the Sauce and Combine: Pour in soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Stir well to combine. Return chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat chicken and vegetables with the flavorful glaze.
  6. Serve Over Rice: Plate the cooked jasmine rice and spoon the chicken and pineapple mixture on top. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more tender than breasts when cooked quickly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Allow space for chicken pieces to brown evenly for better flavor.
  • Let the Sauce Reduce: Thicken the pineapple-soy mixture slightly to avoid a watery dish.
  • Toast Your Rice: Lightly toast dry jasmine rice in the pan before cooking for a nutty flavor.
  • Prefer Fresh Pineapple: It lends a brighter, fresher sweetness, though canned works great too.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, sweet and savory chicken, tropical chicken recipe