Pineapple Chicken And Rice 🍍🍚

Sweet juicy pineapple meets tender chicken and fluffy jasmine rice in this comforting yet slightly exotic skillet dinner. It is the kind of one-pan meal that feels just fancy enough for a weekend but is easy and quick enough for any busy night. The savory chicken soaks up tang from pineapple and fragrant ginger while bright veggies round out each bite with color and crunch.

My family requested this during our last rainy weekend and the batch disappeared before I could tuck away leftovers. Every single bite has a special combination of flavors that never fails to brighten the dinner table.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: cubed for lean protein look for firm plump cuts for juiciness
• Pineapple: cubed gives sweetness and zing fresh or quality canned will work choose ripe fruit without brown spots
• Olive oil: for sautéing and a hint of richness pick extra virgin for best flavor
• Onion: chopped for a flavor base sweet yellow onions melt into the sauce
• Garlic: minced essential for aroma and depth use fresh cloves for best punch
• Red bell pepper: diced adds color and crunch choose firm shiny peppers
• Jasmine rice: delivers tender fluffy texture find rice with a fresh floral scent for authenticity
• Chicken broth: supports simmering process and flavor choose low sodium and quality brands
• Soy sauce: brings umami savoriness use regular or reduced sodium to taste
• Ginger: grated gives warmth and sharpness buy plump smooth roots for freshness
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning grind fresh if possible for best taste
• Green onions: sliced for garnish and mild bite pick crisp stalks with no wilt
• Sesame seeds: lend a nutty toasty finish toast lightly at home for extra fragrance

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cube the chicken breast into bite sized pieces then pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures browning and seals in juices when cooked.

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook for eight to ten minutes stirring occasionally until golden brown from all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate to keep moist.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:

In the same pan add the chopped onion minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for about five to six minutes stirring often until onions are soft and translucent and peppers are tender.

Add Pineapple:

Toss in pineapple cubes and cook for two minutes until the edges start to caramelize and release their juice. This step builds the sweet tangy flavor base.

Incorporate Rice and Liquids:

Stir in jasmine rice making sure each grain is coated and fragrant. Pour in chicken broth soy sauce freshly grated ginger plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.

Simmer the Rice:

Raise heat to bring everything to a boil then immediately reduce to low. Cover with a tight lid and cook undisturbed for eighteen to twenty minutes until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.

Combine and Reheat Chicken:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet gently folding it into the rice and pineapple mixture. Let it heat through for three to four minutes so all flavors meld.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving for a fresh crunchy finish.

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Whenever I make this dish the ginger remains my favorite ingredient. It brings a cozy warmth to every forkful and reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen when she would tuck slivers of ginger into everything. She believed a dash of ginger could brighten even the rainiest days and she was right.

Storage Tips

Let the dish cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and soggy rice. Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate up to three days. Quickly reheat in the microwave or toss in a skillet with a tablespoon of water to revive fluffiness. If you want to freeze portion it in single servings using freezer bags and squeeze out any extra air for easiest thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for extra juiciness or use tofu for a meatless spin. Basmati rice can stand in for jasmine though the floral flavor will change slightly. If soy sauce is not an option try coconut aminos or a gluten free tamari. Add snap peas or carrots for more crunch or switch red bell pepper with yellow or orange for color variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bright skillet meal hot from the stove with extra green onions and sesame seeds. For larger appetites offer a crisp side salad with cucumber and mint. It also pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a handful of roasted cashews stirred in for extra protein. I like to pile the leftovers into lettuce wraps for lunch the next day.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pineapple chicken and rice is inspired by the fusion of sweet and savory that runs through many Asian and Hawaiian kitchens but with an easygoing American twist. The idea of balancing meat rice and tropical fruit shows up in dozens of comfort food traditions and the simple skillet approach makes it approachable for any cook. Every time I serve this I think about how recipes cross oceans and evolve in our own kitchens.

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This pineapple chicken and rice makes every meal feel bright with minimal effort—enjoy the cozy flavors and save some for lunch!