Sweet Savory Pineapple Chicken

This tropical pineapple chicken and rice dish brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The combination of juicy pineapple chunks with tender chicken creates a meal that feels like a vacation on a plate.

I first made this dish when craving something tropical during a particularly gray winter week. My family immediately declared it our new "happy food" because it's impossible to feel gloomy while eating something so bright and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: This lean protein takes on the flavors beautifully look for plump pieces with even coloring
• Fresh pineapple: The star ingredient provides natural sweetness and acidity fresh is best but canned works in a pinch
• Olive oil: For sautéing use a light variety to let other flavors shine
• Onion: Creates an aromatic base white or yellow varieties work equally well
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth fresh minced provides the best flavor
• Red bell pepper: Adds color and subtle sweetness choose firm peppers with bright color
• Jasmine rice: The fragrant grains complement the tropical flavors rinse before using for fluffier results
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice homemade is wonderful but quality store bought works great
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness opt for low sodium if watching salt intake
• Fresh ginger: Provides warmth and zing look for firm pieces with smooth skin
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings everything together
• Green onions: For fresh garnish and color both white and green parts add flavor
• Sesame seeds: Adds nutty flavor and pleasant crunch toast them lightly for enhanced flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden brown on the first side. Flip pieces and continue cooking until golden all over and cooked through, about 5 more minutes. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer. Remove chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base:

In the same skillet with all those delicious chicken bits, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent. The fond from the chicken will incorporate into the vegetables, creating a deep flavor foundation.

Add Sweetness:

Add the pineapple cubes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The natural sugars in the pineapple will begin to caramelize slightly, intensifying the sweetness and creating wonderful flavor complexity. You'll notice the pineapple edges starting to take on a slight golden color.

Create the Rice Base:

Add the jasmine rice to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to coat the grains in the flavorful oil. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a full boil.

Simmer to Perfection:

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking as this releases steam necessary for properly cooking the rice.

Finishing Touches:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the rice mixture. Gently fold everything together to distribute the chicken evenly without breaking up the rice too much. Allow it to heat through for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce.

The fresh ginger is my favorite ingredient in this dish. I keep a root in my freezer and grate it directly into the pan while frozen – it's actually easier to grate this way and the flavor remains just as vibrant. My daughter always asks for extra pineapple in her portion, while my husband prefers more chicken in his.

Make It Ahead

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook the entire recipe, then portion into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld together overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to restore moisture to the rice.

Ingredient Substitutions

If jasmine rice isn't available, you can substitute with basmati or even long-grain white rice with minimal recipe adjustments. Brown rice works too, but will require about 10-15 minutes additional cooking time and possibly a bit more liquid. For a lower carb version, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute – just reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant dish in wide bowls with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. The visual contrast of the green against the golden rice creates an appealing presentation. For a complete meal, pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and savory main dish.

Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned pineapple chunks for fresh. Just be sure to drain them well first, and consider reducing the chicken broth slightly (by about 2 tablespoons) to account for the extra moisture in canned pineapple.

→ What can I substitute for jasmine rice?

Basmati rice works well as a substitute with the same cooking time. For brown rice, increase the liquid to 2½ cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option but should be added in the final 5 minutes of cooking.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

To add heat, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when adding the soy sauce and ginger. A diced jalapeño or serrano pepper can also be sautéed with the other vegetables.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to prevent the rice from drying out. The flavors often develop more deeply after a day in the refrigerator.

→ What protein alternatives work instead of chicken?

Shrimp works wonderfully and cooks even faster than chicken. Firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden, makes an excellent vegetarian option. For a heartier alternative, try cubed pork tenderloin, which pairs nicely with the sweet pineapple.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Snow peas, sliced carrots, broccoli florets, or baby corn make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots when sautéing the onions, and add quicker-cooking vegetables like snow peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking time.