7 Rice With Pineapple And Chicken

 Introduction: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

Rice dishes featuring pineapple and chicken offer a delightful balance of flavors, combining the sweetness of pineapple with the savory, juicy texture of chicken. This combination is popular in many cuisines, from Hawaiian to Thai and Chinese-inspired dishes. Pineapple not only enhances the taste but also provides essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and digestive enzymes, making these dishes both delicious and healthy.

Chicken, being a versatile protein, absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent choice for rice dishes. When paired with rice, it results in a complete, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you prefer a tropical twist, a spicy kick, or a classic fried rice style, there’s a pineapple and chicken rice dish for every palate.

In this article, we’ll explore seven unique rice dishes that incorporate pineapple and chicken, each bringing out the best of this irresistible combination. From Hawaiian pineapple chicken rice to spicy Thai pineapple fried rice, you’ll find recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Classic Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Rice

Hawaiian cuisine is known for its tropical flavors, and Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Rice is one of the most beloved dishes. This dish combines grilled chicken, diced pineapple, and rice, often cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful touch. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly balances the savory elements, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.

2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in soy sauce and honey, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.

4. Add pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

5. Mix in the cooked rice and stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

This dish is ideal for those who enjoy a tropical, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of savory goodness.

2. Thai Spicy Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

If you love spicy and aromatic dishes, Thai Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is a must-try. This dish is a fusion of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, thanks to ingredients like chili, fish sauce, and pineapple.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1 boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced)

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 teaspoon chili flakes

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 egg (beaten)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

½ teaspoon turmeric powder (for color)

2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until aromatic.

2. Add chicken slices and cook until lightly browned.

3. Push the chicken to one side and pour the beaten egg into the pan, scrambling it quickly.

4. Stir in cooked rice, followed by soy sauce, fish sauce, and turmeric powder.

5. Add pineapple chunks and chili flakes, tossing everything together for 3 minutes.

6. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

This dish is perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors with a tropical twist.

3. Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole

For an easy one-pot meal, a Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole is a great option. This baked dish is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked rice

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

1 can pineapple chunks (with juice)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

2. In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, chicken, pineapple chunks (with juice), chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.

4. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle cheese on top.

5. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This casserole is a fantastic comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

4. Chinese Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Inspired by Chinese takeout, this fried rice is packed with savory soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and juicy chicken, giving it an authentic flavor.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1 chicken breast (diced)

1 cup pineapple chunks

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 egg (beaten)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon white pepper

1 green onion (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and scramble the beaten egg.

2. Remove egg and cook chicken until golden brown.

3. Add rice, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.

4. Mix in scrambled egg and green onions before serving.

This dish is quick, easy, and tastes just like your favorite takeout.

5. Pineapple Chicken Jambalaya

A Cajun-style dish, this jambalaya blends spices, chicken, sausage, rice, and pineapple for a flavorful, hearty meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked rice

1 chicken breast (diced)

½ cup sausage (sliced)

1 cup pineapple chunks

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup chicken broth

1 tomato (diced)

Instructions:

1. Sauté sausage and chicken in a pan.

2. Add diced tomato and pineapple chunks.

3. Pour in chicken broth and rice, cooking for 20 minutes.

4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and let simmer before serving.

This dish is perfect for spice lovers.

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6. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Rice

This Japanese-inspired dish features teriyaki-glazed chicken, sweet pineapple, and rice, making it a flavorful and slightly sticky meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked rice

1 chicken breast (grilled)

1 cup pineapple chunks

2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

Instructions:

1. Grill chicken and glaze with teriyaki sauce.

2. Stir pineapple into rice and serve with sliced chicken.

This dish is great for meal prep and light dinners.

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7. Pineapple Coconut Chicken Rice

This Caribbean-style dish uses coconut milk, pineapple, and chicken for a rich and tropical flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk

1 cup rice

1 chicken breast (cubed)

1 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in coconut milk.

2. Sauté chicken and mix with pineapple.

3. Serve over coconut rice.

This dish is creamy, tropical, and incredibly comforting.

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Conclusion

Pineapple and chicken rice dishes offer endless possibilities, from spicy and savory to creamy and sweet. Try these seven recipes to add variety and excitement to your meals!