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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

A vibrant and comforting Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combining tender chicken pieces, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice with savory soy sauce and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a family favorite that’s quick, easy, and nutritious.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (reserve some juice if fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

Grains

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Optional Spices and Additions

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to lock in juices and develop flavor.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Push chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Add the Rice and Liquids: Stir the rice into the skillet, coating it with oil and juices. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low to simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
  4. Incorporate Pineapple and Bell Peppers: About halfway through cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes in, add pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, balancing savory and sweet flavors and adding color and crunch.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and continue simmering until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked, around 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and adjust seasoning with salt or extra soy sauce if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple if possible for brighter, zestier sweetness compared to canned.
  • Toast the rice lightly in oil before adding liquids to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Keep the skillet covered during simmering to steam rice evenly and retain moisture in chicken.
  • Cut all ingredients uniformly for even cooking and prettier presentation.
  • Reserve some pineapple juice to add a splash to the rice for extra tropical flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, one-pot chicken and rice, tropical chicken dinner, gluten free chicken recipe