Description
Tropical Pineapple Chicken Rice Delight is a vibrant one-pan meal that combines sweet pineapple with savory soy-glazed chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice. Inspired by Hawaiian and Asian flavors, it’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The balance of caramelized fruit, tender protein, and umami sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
2 cups fresh pineapple, diced (or 1 drained 20 oz can)
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon oil (avocado or vegetable)
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1/2 cup peas or carrots (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (for chicken rub)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Sear the Chicken: Pat dry and rub with paprika. Sear in a hot skillet with oil, 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Combine & Simmer: Add chicken back in. Stir in soy sauce, water, pineapple, and any optional veggies. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed.
Finish: Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for quicker cooking.
Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Leftovers can be used in salads, tacos, or wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion (Hawaiian-Asian Inspired)
Keywords: tropical pineapple chicken, one-pan chicken rice, Hawaiian chicken recipe, sweet and savory stir fry, pineapple soy chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free option