There is something incredibly comforting and bright about the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe that makes it a standout weeknight favorite. Combining tender chicken pieces with sweet pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious soy-honey glaze, this dish captures the perfect balance of savory and tropical sweetness. Served right over fluffy jasmine rice, every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a meal that’s both simple and satisfyingly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings a taste of the islands to your table with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step in crafting this vibrant and tasty dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding color, depth of flavor, or delightful texture that makes the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe so memorable.
- Olive oil: The base fat for cooking that adds a subtle fruity note and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite; thighs offer more moisture, while breasts are leaner.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a splash of vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper: Brings mild bitterness and freshness to balance the sweet elements.
- Pineapple chunks: The star of the recipe, contributing juicy sweetness and a tropical vibe.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth and depth.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy tone that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
- Honey: Creates that perfect, sticky glaze with a natural sweetness that melds all flavors.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces subtle acidity to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: A simple thickener that gives the sauce its irresistible cling.
- Cooked jasmine or white rice: The comforting bed that soaks up every delicious drop of sauce.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Garnishes that bring fresh crunch and nuttiness for the finishing touch.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so every piece browns beautifully and cooks through perfectly. This step locks in the juicy, tender feel that makes each bite satisfying.
Step 2: Add colorful bell peppers
Once the chicken is nearing perfection, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook them together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they soften slightly but keep their delightful snap and brightness. These peppers not only add fantastic color but also elevate the texture and freshness.
Step 3: Stir in pineapple, garlic, and ginger
Now comes the magic part — add the pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté everything for another minute, letting those tropical juices mingle with the warm spices, creating a tantalizing aroma that will instantly make your kitchen feel like a Hawaiian paradise.
Step 4: Create the flavorful sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until well combined. Pour this glossy mixture over the chicken and veggies, then bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. This sauce is the glue that holds all the flavors together, balancing salty, sweet, and tangy notes in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into your simmering skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens to a shiny, luscious glaze that coats each chicken piece and vegetable offering. This luscious consistency makes the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe irresistibly saucy and comforting.
Step 6: Serve it up
Remove the skillet from heat and prepare to plate this colorful feast. Spoon your chicken and pineapple mixture generously over a bed of fragrant cooked jasmine or white rice, ready to soak up every drip of that amazing sauce.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of appearance and flavor, sprinkle some sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and a pop of freshness that perfectly complements the tropical and savory notes of the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a refreshing match, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the dish inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun, festive flair that turns dinner into a tropical celebration. Alternatively, spoon it into lettuce wraps for a lighter, handheld experience that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This recipe holds its flavor well, making it a great option for an easy lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, freeze the cooked chicken and rice mixture in meal-sized portions. Make sure your container is airtight or use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. It will keep delicious for up to 2 months, making it perfect for quick, tropical-inspired meals later on.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to help keep the rice fluffy. Stir occasionally until warmed through, ensuring all that beautiful sauce is evenly coated and the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice offers a nuttier taste and a bit more fiber, making it a wholesome swap. Just remember it takes longer to cook, so prepare it ahead of time or use pre-cooked brown rice.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook it the same way to soak up all those fabulous flavors while keeping the tropical vibe intact.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely. Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce can introduce a nice kick that balances the sweetness of pineapple and honey perfectly.
What other fruits can I use if I don’t have pineapple?
Mango or peach chunks can be delightful alternatives, offering a similarly sweet and juicy element that pairs wonderfully with the soy-honey sauce.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
For even deeper flavor, try marinating the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step infuses the meat with extra tropical goodness at every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a simple yet exciting way to bring sunshine to your dinner table, the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new go-to. It’s vibrant, easy to make, and pulls together flavors that feel like a mini vacation in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, this tropical favorite will quickly become one of your cherished weeknight staples.
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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks in a flavorful, tangy sauce. Cooked quickly on the stovetop, it’s an easy and vibrant meal perfect for weeknights, bringing tropical flair and a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add pineapple and aromatics: Stir in the pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Prepare and add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, bringing it to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the pineapple chicken mixture over cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a spicy kick to the dish.
