I am beyond excited to share this vibrant and irresistibly tasty Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe with you! This dish perfectly balances the sweet juiciness of pineapple with tender, savory chicken, all wrapped up in a luscious, tangy sauce that clings to every bite of fluffy rice. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with something tropical and colorful, this recipe delivers big on flavor without any fuss. Once you try it, Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is both simple and essential—the fresh produce and pantry staples each play an important role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Cubed chicken delivers tender protein that soaks up the bright sauce beautifully.
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup): Fresh or canned pineapple provides that signature sweet, tangy pop that makes the dish sing.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a mild crunch and vibrant red color to brighten the plate.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp, minced): Adds a subtle spicy zing that enhances the tropical vibe.
- Soy sauce (1/3 cup): The salty backbone of the sauce, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Brings caramel notes that dance with the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides mild acidity to brighten and lift the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and meld ingredients.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): Soft and fluffy, it’s the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Green onions (2, chopped, optional): Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of green for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional): Offer a subtle nutty crunch that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Cooking oil: Needed for sautéing and browning the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed chicken and sear it until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized flavor that is key to making the dish irresistible. Once done, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh ginger. Sauté quickly until their aromas fill your kitchen—just about 30 seconds—to prevent burning. Then add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so it becomes tender but still retains a little of its vibrant crunch and color.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. This mix brings together the sweet, salty, and tangy notes that make the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe so addictive. The cornstarch will give your sauce that perfect thick, glossy texture.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour your sauce into the hot skillet with the veggies and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. As it heats, you’ll see it thicken beautifully, coating the vegetables in a shiny glaze. This step concentrates the flavors and prepares the stage for the chicken and pineapple to join the party.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pineapple
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Stir everything together gently so every piece of chicken gets coated with that luscious sauce and the pineapple warms through without losing its delightful juiciness. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Finally, serve your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken hot over the fluffy cooked white rice. This base soaks up every bit of sauce for a mouthwatering bite each and every time. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy and want to add a fresh crunch.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes not only enhance the appearance of your dish but also introduce subtle layers of flavor. Freshly chopped green onions add a crisp, slightly peppery note that cuts through the sweetness, while sesame seeds lend a light nutty crunch and a beautiful contrast. These finishing touches elevate the whole experience!
Side Dishes
While the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe is delicious on its own, pairing it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad can balance the rich flavors with some fresh, vibrant crunch and brightness. These sides keep the meal light and refreshing without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the dish in pineapple bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s both fun and thematic. Alternatively, plating it on a bed of coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness and tropical flair that amplifies the overall taste experience. Little creative twists like these make sharing this recipe even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Separate the chicken and rice if possible, as freezing rice alone helps maintain its texture better. When reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s luscious consistency. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and will add extra flavor to the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple brings a brighter, more natural sweetness and juicy texture, but canned pineapple works perfectly well if you drain it properly. Both options deliver the tropical goodness that this recipe needs.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Fluffy cooked white rice is a classic choice as it soaks up the sauce beautifully. Jasmine or long-grain rice works great, but feel free to experiment with brown rice or coconut rice for some extra texture and taste.
Can I prepare any steps in advance?
You can dice the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time to shave off prep time on a busy day. The sauce components can also be whisked together in advance to speed things up when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe. It brings a burst of tropical sunshine to your table and fills your home with aromas that make everyone eager to dig in. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s quick, delicious, and a beautiful way to brighten up your meal rotation. Once you do, I guarantee you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken & Rice recipe brings together tender chicken breast, sweet pineapple chunks, and vibrant bell peppers in a savory soy sauce glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines sweet and savory elements over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Protein & Produce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or drained canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Additional
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed chicken breast until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and combined.
- Cook sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and pineapple: Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier alternative.
- Fresh pineapple adds a more vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple chunks drained well work fine.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers when sautéing the garlic and ginger.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Use cooking oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil for sautéing.
