If you crave a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the islands right to your dinner table, the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe is your new go-to meal. This delightful combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers creates a perfect harmony of savory and fruity tastes. Paired with fluffy white rice, it’s a balanced dish that feels comforting yet exciting with every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or craving a tropical twist to your usual routine, this recipe delivers big on flavor with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients sets you up for success with this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a dish that’s flavorful, well-balanced, and visually appealing.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and stays juicy when cooked right.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or drained canned): Adds the signature tropical sweetness and a juicy pop in every bite.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild crunch to brighten the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For a punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty undertone enhancing the overall tropical vibe.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the savory with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that brightens and lifts the flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to dissolve the cornstarch and create the sauce base.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: The warm, fluffy canvas for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional): Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green for garnish.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional): Toasted for subtle nutty crunch and attractive finish.
- Cooking oil for sautéing: Necessary to get that perfect sear on the chicken and sauté the veggies.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until it’s browned on the outside and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Removing the chicken from the pan once cooked prevents overcooking later and keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them just until fragrant, which happens quickly—around 30 seconds. Then add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the pepper just enough while keeping some bite and vibrant color.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This mixture forms the luscious glaze that’ll coat all the ingredients. Whisking ensures the cornstarch dissolves completely, so your sauce thickens evenly without lumps.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed peppers and aromatics. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken nicely and transform into that irresistibly glossy coating.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pineapple
Now add the seared chicken and pineapple chunks back into the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure each piece is coated with the sauce. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and the pineapple to warm through.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Finally, serve this tropical delight hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top if you like. This step completes the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe with a burst of freshness and nutty crunch, making every bite exciting.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the presentation but also brings fresh, crunchy contrasts to the tender chicken and juicy pineapple. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can be fun twists as well, adding a bright finish that complements the tropical flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed or sautéed greens such as bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli, which add a crisp texture and balance the richness. A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil can also bring a refreshing note to the meal, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves. This instantly adds a festive, island-inspired vibe to your meal. Another idea is to spoon the dish into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option that’s perfect for casual gatherings or when you want a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches, as the flavors deepen even more with time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to portion it out so you can thaw just what you need, preserving the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until piping hot. You might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the sauce nice and saucy. Avoid overheating to maintain juicy chicken and prevent the rice from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and remain extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is fresh pineapple necessary, or can I use canned?
Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly as long as they’re well-drained to avoid making the sauce too watery. Fresh pineapple adds extra brightness and texture but either option tastes fantastic in this recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without compromising the rich umami flavor.
What type of rice works best with this recipe?
Classic steamed white rice is ideal for soaking up the sauce, but jasmine or basmati rice also pair beautifully with the tropical flavors. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice can work as well.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add some heat?
This recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly. If you enjoy a touch of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when cooking the sauce for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe is a wonderful way to bring cheerful, tropical flavors right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and adventurous, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, this recipe will surely become a quick favorite to brighten your weeknights. So go ahead, dive into this island-inspired delight and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice recipe offers a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors with tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce served over fluffy white rice. It’s a quick and easy skillet dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or drained canned)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Additional
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and combined.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Pineapple: Add the browned chicken and pineapple chunks to the thickened sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pineapple chicken mixture hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant taste, but canned pineapple (drained) works well too.
- Adjust the brown sugar according to your desired level of sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
