Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe - Quick At Home
There’s something beautifully nostalgic about the smell of warm rice and sizzling chicken drifting through your kitchen. For me, it all began with a vacation I’ll never forget. I was visiting a small coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with my family. The sun was setting, casting golden light across the beach, and we stumbled upon a quiet, family-run food hut that offered what seemed like a simple plate—pineapple chicken served over rice.
Equipment
- Equipment Required for Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe
- One of the best things about this Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe - Quick At Home is that it doesn’t require any fancy kitchen tools. With just a few basic items, you can prepare the entire dish from start to finish—quickly and efficiently.
- Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- For pan-searing the chicken and simmering the pineapple glaze.
- Medium saucepan with lid
- For steaming or boiling the rice perfectly.
- Cutting board
- To safely cut chicken and pineapple.
- Sharp knife
- For slicing chicken and chopping vegetables or pineapple.
- Mixing bowl
- To marinate the chicken or prepare sauce mixtures.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- To stir and mix ingredients without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- For accurate amounts of sauce, spices, and liquids.
- Tongs or cooking fork
- To flip and move the chicken pieces while searing.
- That’s it! These basic kitchen tools make the process smooth and mess-free, helping you cook this quick pineapple chicken and rice recipe in under an hour without stress or clutter.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe With Simple Alternatives
- The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen or local store. These ingredients work together to create a perfect balance of sweet savory, and tangy flavor. Below, you'll find the essential ingredients as well as easy alternatives in case you're missing something or want to adjust for dietary preferences.
- Main Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- Alternative: Firm tofu or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Alternative: Canned pineapple chunks in juice, not syrup
- Jasmine rice
- Alternative: Basmati rice brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb diets
- Soy sauce
- Alternative: Tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free version
- Garlic minced
- Alternative: Garlic powder 1 tsp = 2 cloves fresh
- Ginger fresh grated
- Alternative: Ground ginger use 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp fresh
- Honey or brown sugar
- Alternative: Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Cornstarch for thickening sauce
- Alternative: Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour
- Sesame oil for flavor, optional
- Alternative: Olive oil or skip if avoiding oils
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness
- This list keeps your Pineapple Chicken And Rice wholesome affordable, and easy to customize. Each substitution still keeps the balance of flavors while adjusting for personal health needs or pantry availability.
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe - Quick At Home (In Detailed Form)
- This method uses pan-seared chicken and a homemade pineapple glaze served over steamed rice, which is not only flavorful but also one of the healthiest and fastest ways to prepare this tropical favorite.
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice (Start First)
- Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- In a medium saucepan, add:
- 1½ cups rinsed rice
- 3 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, until all water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
- Pro Tip: Start the rice first so it’s done by the time your chicken and sauce are ready. This saves time and keeps everything hot and fresh for serving.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pro Tip: Whisk the cornstarch in well so you don’t get clumps in your sauce later.
- Set the sauce aside. You’ll add it later to thicken into a glossy glaze.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or sesame oil) in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming).
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside (no pink).
- Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in 2 batches if necessary to keep the sear crisp.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Step 4: Simmer the Pineapple Glaze
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Pour in the prepared pineapple sauce and ½ to 1 cup of pineapple chunks.
- Stir constantly for 4–6 minutes, until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
- Let it simmer together for 2–3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in and the glaze to become sticky.
- Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon steamed rice onto plates or bowls.
- Top with generous portions of the pineapple-glazed chicken.
- Garnish with:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chili flakes, or lime wedges
- Serve immediately while hot and fresh!
- This step-by-step process ensures your Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe - Quick At Home turns out juicy, saucy, and balanced—every single time.