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.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with tamari substitution)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken rice, one pot meal, tropical chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken recipe, weeknight dinner