Quick & Zesty Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe Everyone Loves

Pineapple chicken and rice offers a delightful tropical fusion that sparks culinary excitement in every kitchen.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together, creating a vibrant meal that surprises the palate.

Imagine tender meat mingling with juicy fruit chunks and perfectly seasoned grains.

Bright ingredients combine to deliver a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and adventurous.

This recipe promises a quick and satisfying dinner solution that breaks away from ordinary meal routines.

Fresh and zesty notes revolutionize simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You can love how easily these components come together to produce something truly memorable.

Explore this delicious journey and savor every delectable bite.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet-Savory Tropical Favorite

• The combination of tangy pineapple juice, sweet honey, and zesty Dijon mustard creates a vibrant sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an exotic, mouthwatering dish.
• This recipe offers a simple yet impressive meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families who want delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• By using a single skillet for cooking and creating the sauce, this recipe minimizes cleanup and allows for easy preparation with minimal kitchen tools and effort.
• Juicy browned chicken paired with soft, caramelized pineapple slices delivers a satisfying mix of crispy and tender textures that will keep every bite interesting and enjoyable.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Delight

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Pineapple Slices: Tropical fruit that adds sweetness and serves as a flavorful topping.

• Pineapple Juice: Provides natural sweetness and helps create the sauce base.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor and enhances overall taste.

• Thyme: Herb that adds earthy and slightly minty flavor to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and complements the other seasonings.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, glossy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing and cooking the chicken, prevents sticking.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Season chicken breasts generously with thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Separate Pineapple Juice

Drain pineapple slices, carefully collecting the juice in a separate container. Set pineapple slices aside for later use.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce Mixtures

Prepare two separate sauce mixtures:

• Pineapple juice
• Cornstarch

Whisk until smooth and lump-free.

• Remaining pineapple juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic

Blend ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Pour the Dijon sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Remove chicken temporarily. Add cornstarch mixture to the skillet, increasing heat to medium. Stir continuously while bringing to a boil until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pineapple

Return chicken to the skillet, coating completely with the thickened sauce. Arrange pineapple slices around and on top of the chicken. Cover and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate cooked rice as a base. Place chicken and pineapple slices on top. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite.

Secrets for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Perfect Chicken Browning: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Maximize Sauce Consistency: Whisk the cornstarch and pineapple juice thoroughly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust honey and Dijon mustard quantities to match your taste preferences, creating a harmonious sweet and tangy sauce.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee juicy, tender meat without overcooking.
• Enhance Rice Pairing: Choose long-grain white rice or jasmine rice to complement the pineapple chicken's tropical flavors and absorb the delicious sauce effectively.

Keeping Pineapple Chicken and Rice Fresh for Later

Refrigerate: Store leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Skillet Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice or water to maintain moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated evenly.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Craft a Tropical Beverage Companion: Pair this sweet and tangy pineapple chicken with a crisp, chilled Hawaiian Mai Tai cocktail to complement the dish's tropical flavor profile. The rum-based drink echoes the pineapple's brightness and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Select a Perfectly Balanced Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to match the dish's sweet and savory notes. These white wines have enough acidity to balance the honey and Dijon mustard sauce while enhancing the pineapple's natural sweetness.
• Create a Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light cucumber and mint salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The cool, fresh ingredients will contrast the warm chicken and provide a crisp counterpoint to the rich, saucy main course. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds extra tropical flair.
• Complement with Textural Sides: Serve alongside grilled asparagus or roasted green beans with a light sesame oil drizzle. These green vegetables add a nutritious crunch that balances the tender chicken and provides a clean, fresh element to the plate.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe Variations to Try

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken: Replace Dijon mustard with teriyaki sauce and add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a heat-packed version that brings extra kick to the dish.
• Coconut Pineapple Chicken: Substitute some of the pineapple juice with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a creamy, island-style meal.
• Herb-Infused Pineapple Chicken: Add fresh rosemary and basil to the seasoning mix, creating a more complex and aromatic herb-forward recipe that elevates the classic preparation.

Common Questions About Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly! Just make sure to save the juice for the sauce, which adds amazing flavor to the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe and juicy without overcooking.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Pork chops or tofu work great as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

• How long will this dish keep in the refrigerator?

Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s texture and chicken’s moisture.

Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian pineapple chicken delivers sweet and savory magic on dinner plates, bringing island-inspired flavors to your kitchen. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice create a delightful meal that transports you to paradise with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless chicken breasts

Main Flavoring Agents:

• 1 can sliced pineapple (20 ounces/567 grams, reserve the juice)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 servings cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts generously with thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, cooking until a golden-brown crust develops on each side, approximately 5-7 minutes per surface.
3. Extract pineapple slices from their juice, preserving the liquid for the sauce. Set tropical fruit pieces aside for later garnishing.
4. Create the sauce by whisking pineapple juice with cornstarch in one container, creating a smooth slurry. In a separate bowl, blend remaining juice with Dijon mustard, honey, and finely chopped garlic to develop a complex flavor profile.
5. Transfer the Dijon-pineapple mixture into the skillet containing the seared chicken. Reduce heat, cover, and allow the chicken to gently simmer, ensuring thorough cooking for approximately 15 minutes.
6. Temporarily remove chicken from the skillet. Introduce the cornstarch mixture, raising heat to medium and stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency.
7. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the glossy sauce. Artfully arrange pineapple slices around and atop the chicken, covering and warming for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Plate the succulent chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, cascading any remaining sauce for enhanced flavor complexity. Garnish with reserved pineapple slices for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Marinate chicken with thyme, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, robust flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Searing chicken creates a golden-brown crust, locking in moisture and developing a rich, caramelized exterior that adds incredible texture.
• Reserving pineapple juice is crucial for creating a tangy, sweet sauce that perfectly balances the savory chicken and adds a tropical twist.
• Cornstarch acts as a natural thickening agent, transforming the liquid into a glossy, clingy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic create a complex flavor profile that brings unexpected depth and excitement to this simple chicken recipe.
• Letting the chicken simmer in the sauce ensures tender, juicy meat that’s fully infused with the delicious pineapple-mustard blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg