Zesty Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe for Summer Fun

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this pineapple chicken & rice delight delivers pure culinary magic with unexpected tropical flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your plate, creating an irresistible melody of taste sensations.

The combination of succulent chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks promises a meal that breaks free from ordinary recipes.

Tender meat absorbs rich marinades, while fluffy rice provides the perfect canvas for this vibrant dish.

Each forkful promises a burst of Hawaiian-inspired goodness that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience.

Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings come together effortlessly, ensuring a quick and delectable dinner solution.

Prepare to savor every delightful bite of this mouthwatering creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools For Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Large Pan: Essential for searing chicken and creating the tropical sauce, with even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken, allowing all flavors to blend together.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic, ginger, green onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and chicken cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices, sauces, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce without scratching pan surface.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct liquid ingredient proportions for balanced sauce.
• Rice Cooker (optional): Convenient for preparing jasmine rice with coconut milk.

Steps To Make Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Prepare Chicken Flavor Bomb

Grab your chicken and give it an epic flavor makeover by mixing soy sauce, spices, and a touch of cornstarch. Let the magic sit for a quick moment while your pan heats up. Sizzle those chicken pieces until they turn beautifully golden and perfectly cooked.

• Create Tropical Sauce Symphony

In the same pan, dance some pineapple chunks, aromatic garlic, and zingy ginger around. Pour in a vibrant blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and optional spicy kick. Let the sauce bubble and thicken into a delicious coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the crispy chicken with the tropical sauce, letting them mingle and get all cozy. Nestle this delightful creation over fluffy jasmine rice cooked with creamy coconut milk. Crown your masterpiece with a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, toasted coconut flakes, and a zesty lime squeeze. Your culinary adventure is complete!

Sweet And Savory Twists For Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Meal Prep Magic: Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat for an even more delicious result.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean pork for a versatile protein option that keeps the tropical essence alive.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust sriracha amount to match your heat tolerance, or substitute with mild sweet chili sauce for a gentler kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that still captures the tropical flavor profile.

Serve Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight Island-Style

• Tropical Paradise Plate: Arrange the chicken and rice on a large platter with vibrant pineapple pieces scattered around, creating a stunning visual feast that transports diners to a beachy island getaway.
• Meal Prep Master: Pack individual containers with rice on the bottom, chicken and sauce layered on top, keeping the dish fresh and delicious for easy weekday lunches or quick grab-and-go dinners.
• Coconut Crunch Twist: Sprinkle extra toasted coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts over the dish for added texture, bringing a delightful tropical crunch that complements the tender chicken and sweet-savory sauce.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Pair the meal with a crisp cucumber-mango salad dressed in lime and mint, offering a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, rich flavors of the chicken and rice.

How To Store Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, keeping ingredients fresh for 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice to restore moisture. Microwave with a damp paper towel if needed, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, portioning into individual containers with rice. Label with date and contents for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully and provides rich flavor with juicy texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates a delicate protective coating for chicken, ensuring crispy exterior and locking in moisture.

• Pineapple Chunks: Brings sweet-tangy tropical brightness and natural tenderizing enzymes.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds vibrant fruity liquid base with natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami depth and authentic Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Honey: Provides natural caramelization and balanced sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces subtle acidic complexity to balance rich flavors.
• Sriracha: Optional spicy kick for adventurous palates.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundational flavor with robust profile.
• Ginger: Adds warm, zesty undertone with traditional Asian cooking essence.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface with light Mediterranean touch.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion sharpness.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy textural accent with nutty undertone.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Tropical garnish with sweet, crispy dimension.
• Lime: Bright citrus finish that elevates overall dish brightness.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant base that complements tropical chicken beautifully.
• Coconut Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess to rice preparation.

Juicy Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Tropical pineapple chicken & rice delight brings Caribbean sunshine to dinner plates with bold flavors and easy preparation. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant rice combine for a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ½ cup coconut milk (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsps toasted coconut flakes (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Let the flavors meld for maximum taste infusion.
2. Sear Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, turning periodically to ensure even caramelization.
3. Create Tropical Base: In the same skillet, sauté pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
4. Develop Sauce: Pour pineapple juice, additional soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha into the skillet. Whisk together to create a vibrant, glossy sauce.
5. Thicken and Combine: Reduce heat and introduce cornstarch slurry to achieve a luscious sauce consistency. Reintroduce chicken, coating thoroughly and warming completely.
6. Plate and Garnish: Serve over coconut milk-infused jasmine rice, topped with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, coconut flakes, and a lime wedge for a zesty tropical finish.

Notes

• Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken marinate for 15-30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat effectively.
• Achieve Perfect Sear: Use a hot, dry skillet to create golden-brown chicken edges without overcrowding, which prevents steaming and ensures crispy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent sauce from becoming too thick; aim for a glossy, clingy coating that enhances chicken’s flavor.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify sriracha quantity to suit personal heat preferences, or substitute with chili flakes for controlled spiciness without altering sauce’s fundamental profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg