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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet pineapple chunks and savory rice. Bursting with tropical flavors, garlic, and ginger, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty with vibrant colors and textures, making it ideal for family dinners or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long-grain rice)

Produce

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the bell peppers, slice green onions, and drain the pineapple chunks. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Stir in the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and pineapple releases its sweetness into the dish.
  4. Mix in Sauces and Rice: Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar (or honey). Stir well to coat all ingredients with a glossy sauce. Add the cooked rice and gently fold everything together to combine and heat through evenly, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Turn off heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes over the top for freshness and a touch of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use day-old rice as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
  • Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • Cook on high heat to lock in juices and achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Use fresh pineapple if possible for a brighter tropical flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken rice, one pot meal, tropical chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe, weeknight dinner