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+ servings
recipe image of chicken breast thighs pineapple chunks pineapple juice rice garlic soy sauce honey dijon mustard bell peppers green onions ginger thyme cornstarch chili flakes fresh pineapple canned pineapple jasmine basmati white rice chicken broth
C. Motter Cindy

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered with pineapple, fragrant rice, and a savory-sweet sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Aromatics
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated, optional
  • 1 cup red or yellow bell peppers chopped
For the Sauce and Rice
  • 20 oz pineapple chunks canned, drained, reserve 1 cup juice
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For Garnish
  • to taste green onions chopped, for garnish
  • pinch chili flakes optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • - Whisk
  • Fork

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic (and ginger, if using) to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Build the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice (about 1 cup), soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Add Rice and Liquid
  1. Stir the rice into the skillet for 1 minute to toast lightly. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
Combine and Simmer
  1. Return the chicken to the pot, distribute evenly, and add the drained pineapple chunks. Lower heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes without peeking.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions (and chili flakes if desired), and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 15g

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days; reheat on stovetop with a splash of water to keep moist. Chicken breasts can be used but may dry out faster; cut larger and watch searing time.
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