why make this recipe
This recipe is quick, bright, and full of sweet and savory flavors. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. You can make a full meal with rice and chicken in one pan or skillet. It is great for weeknights and small families.
introduction
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight mixes juicy pineapple with soy and honey for a tasty sauce. It is easy to cook and uses common pantry items. If you like simple chicken dinners, try this other easy chicken dish as well: Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce recipe.
how to make Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
Follow these steps in order. Use a large pan or skillet. Cook rice before you start or use leftover rice.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice
Directions :
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken. Cook 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want spice.
- Let the sauce simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat with sauce and heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice.
how to serve Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
Serve hot over white or brown rice. Add steamed vegetables or a green salad on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
how to store Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
Cool to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
- Slice the chicken thin so it cooks fast and stays tender.
- Drain the pineapple well to avoid a watery sauce.
- Taste the sauce before serving and add a little more honey or soy if you want sweeter or saltier.
- Cook rice ahead to save time.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to make this even faster.
variation (if any)
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch.
- Swap chicken for shrimp and cook until shrimp turn pink.
- Use brown rice for a whole-grain option.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in during step 8.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Use boneless skinless thighs. They stay moist and need a similar cook time.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
A: Yes. Cut fresh pineapple into chunks and add in the same step as canned pineapple. Fresh is sweeter and fresher tasting.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not if you use regular soy sauce. Use gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it safe.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: You can. Add chicken, pineapple, onion, and sauce to the crock and cook on low 3–4 hours. Add rice when serving.
Q: How do I keep the rice from getting soggy?
A: Serve the sauce over rice rather than mixing too early. Use firm cooked rice and drain pineapple well.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using tamari)
Description
A quick and delicious meal featuring chicken and juicy pineapple in a sweet and savory sauce, served over rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl, then pour the sauce into the skillet.
- Add red pepper flakes if desired, and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce and heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice.
Notes
Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg