Juicy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for Sunny Days

Tropical breezes whisper through this delightful hawaiian pineapple chicken and rice dish that combines sweet and savory notes.

Sweet chunks of golden pineapple dance alongside tender chicken pieces, creating a melody of island-inspired flavors.

Pacific island traditions shine through each carefully crafted bite of this comforting meal.

Juicy pineapple adds a bright, zesty punch that lifts the entire recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily recreate this vacation-worthy dinner with just a few simple ingredients.

Fresh herbs and a splash of soy sauce complete the vibrant profile, transporting you to a sunny Hawaiian coastline.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn dinner into a delicious tropical escape!

Why Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice Is So Satisfying

• Whip Up Tropical Comfort: This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken delivers a burst of island-inspired flavors that transport you to a beachy paradise right in your kitchen.
• Speedster Weeknight Meal: Incredibly quick and simple to prepare, this recipe takes just minutes to assemble, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours cooking.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy combination of juicy chicken and fresh pineapple, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With basic pantry staples and just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills to execute perfectly.

What’s Needed For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice: Soft, fluffy foundation for the dish that absorbs the delicious chicken and sauce flavors. Choose long-grain varieties for best texture and authentic Hawaiian-style presentation.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the meal. Select boneless, skinless chicken for easy preparation and uniform cooking.

• Fresh Pineapple, Canned Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that provides tangy flavor and natural juiciness. Fresh pineapple offers brighter taste, while canned provides convenient alternative.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the tropical Hawaiian profile of the dish. Use 100% pure juice for authentic flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty, umami depth to balance the sweet pineapple. Low-sodium versions work well for health-conscious cooking.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that creates glossy sauce and helps caramelize chicken. Local or pure honey recommended for best taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced for more intense flavor.
• Ginger: Warm, spicy note that complements the tropical theme. Fresh ginger root provides more vibrant taste than dried ground ginger.

How To Cook Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger

Whisk ingredients together until well blended. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Pan

Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and heat evenly.

Step 3: Sear Marinated Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and carefully place into the hot pan. Cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on edges, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create Tropical Sauce

Pour remaining marinade into the pan with chicken. Simmer and reduce sauce until it thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add Pineapple Chunks

Toss fresh pineapple chunks into the skillet, allowing them to warm and caramelize slightly with the chicken.

Step 6: Serve Over Fluffy Rice

Scoop warm jasmine rice onto plates. Top generously with tropical chicken and pineapple mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your Hawaiian Tropical Chicken Delight!

Helpful Tips For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains that won't clump together.
• Choose Fresh Pineapple: Select a ripe, golden-yellow pineapple for the most vibrant, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch amount to create your desired sauce consistency – less for a lighter glaze, more for a thicker coating on the chicken.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat, creating more delicious results.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a subtle heat that cuts through the pineapple's sweetness and adds complexity to the dish.

How To Store Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice Well

• Refrigerate leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the rice and chicken separate to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ensuring optimal freshness.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals.
• Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Frozen meals maintain best quality when consumed within 2-3 months of preparation.
• Want maximum flavor preservation? Store sauce and chicken separately from rice to keep each component crisp and delicious.
• This simple trick prevents soggy rice and maintains the vibrant taste of your Hawaiian-inspired dish.
• Always cool food completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

What Works Well With Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Boost Tropical Tang: Pair this Hawaiian chicken with a crisp, cold Riesling or a fruity mojito that complements the sweet pineapple notes and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Balance the Plate: Serve alongside a light cucumber and carrot slaw with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to add fresh crunch and provide a cool contrast to the warm, sweet chicken.
• Enhance Tropical Vibes: Add a side of grilled mango slices or a small passion fruit salsa to amplify the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile and bring extra brightness to the dish.
• Complete the Island Experience: Finish the meal with a coconut sorbet or a small scoop of pineapple gelato to continue the tropical theme and provide a refreshing dessert that echoes the meal's flavors.

Yummy Twists For Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice

• Tropical Teriyaki Transformation: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and add grated ginger for a deeper Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Coconut Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a vibrant, heat-packed version of the dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace pineapple with sun-dried tomatoes, add oregano and crumbled feta cheese to give the chicken a Greek-inspired makeover.
• Veggie Power Upgrade: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and mix in bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a plant-based protein-packed meal.

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice Questions Answered

• What makes Hawaiian pineapple chicken different from other chicken dishes?

This recipe combines sweet tropical flavors with savory chicken, using fresh pineapple and a tangy sauce that gives it a distinctly Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.

• Is this recipe spicy or mild?

The dish is generally mild with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, making it kid-friendly and enjoyable for those who prefer less heat in their meals.

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple chunks can work as a convenient alternative. Just drain the juice well before adding to the recipe.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing chicken and mixing ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers tropical flavors that dance across palates with island-inspired charm. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice blend into a quick weeknight dinner that transports diners to sunny Pacific shores.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ red bell pepper
• ½ green bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Select your preferred rice variety – jasmine or basmati – and prepare according to package guidelines, ensuring fluffy and fragrant grains that will serve as the perfect base for the tropical chicken dish.
2. Dice fresh pineapple into uniform cubes, creating a vibrant and juicy component that will infuse sweetness throughout the meal.
3. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, trimming any excess fat to promote even cooking and optimal texture.
4. Season chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, massaging the spices to ensure thorough coverage and deep flavor penetration.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to reach an ideal searing heat.
6. Sauté the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining tender interior meat.
7. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm to preserve its temperature and moisture.
8. In the same skillet, introduce diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become slightly translucent and develop a gentle caramelization.
9. Add pineapple chunks to the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine and allow natural sugars to release and mingle with the savory components.
10. Incorporate a smooth sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and a touch of ginger, creating a glossy and flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables.
11. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage with the vibrant sauce and allowing flavors to meld together.
12. Serve the aromatic chicken and pineapple mixture atop the prepared rice, garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness.

Notes

• Opt for long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for a fragrant base that complements the sweet and tangy chicken.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
• Consider using a rice cooker for consistently perfect texture and hands-off preparation.
• Add a pinch of salt to the rice water to enhance its natural flavor and make the dish more aromatic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg