Pineapple Chicken and Rice
📝 Introduction
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet-and-savory one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple chunks. Bursting with tropical flavors, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch prep, or casual gatherings. Its harmonious blend of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic spices makes it a family favorite.
🌎 Origin and Cultural Significance
This dish draws inspiration from Asian fusion cuisine, where sweet fruits like pineapple are often paired with savory proteins to create a balance of flavors. Pineapple chicken has been popularized in many Western adaptations of Chinese cuisine and tropical cooking. It represents a fusion of cultures, celebrating the way global ingredients like jasmine rice and tropical fruit can come together to create comfort food with a vibrant twist.
🍽️ Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a colorful, hearty dish featuring golden-brown chicken cubes, soft jasmine rice, sweet pineapple, and crisp vegetables like bell pepper and onion. Aromatics such as garlic and ginger add depth, while soy sauce provides umami. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s visually appealing and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and subtle spice.
🛒 Ingredients & Quantity (Serves 4)
1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
1 cup pineapple, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Pineapple
Stir in the pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the fruit release its natural juices.
Cook the Rice
Add jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
🥑 Optional Additions
Add snow peas or snap peas for extra crunch
Pineapple juice instead of some chicken broth for more tropical flavor
Red chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick
Cashews or toasted almonds for added texture
💡 Tips for Success
Use day-old or rinsed jasmine rice to prevent sticking and clumping.
Ensure the chicken is browned before removing; this adds depth of flavor.
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.
Taste and adjust soy sauce and seasoning at the end for perfect balance.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
🏁 Conclusion
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing meal that combines sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for family meals or entertaining guests.
⭐ Recommendation
Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
🌿 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish shows that indulgence and nutrition can coexist. Lean chicken provides high-quality protein, pineapple offers vitamins and natural sweetness, and vegetables contribute fiber and antioxidants. Using moderate oil and low-sodium soy sauce can keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor, making it a guilt-free, satisfying dinner option.
