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A delicious bowl of Pineapple Chicken & Rice, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Pineapple Chicken & Rice Tropical Dream

This one-pan wonder combines tender, golden-brown chicken thighs and juicy pineapple chunks with fluffy, flavor-infused rice. The dish masters a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory, creating a weeknight masterpiece that transports you to a tropical state of mind.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Plate
  • Fork or spatula
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan, ensuring not to crowd it. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once the onion has softened, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, the reserved juice from the can of pineapple, and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine everything.
  4. Sprinkle the rinsed rice evenly into the simmering liquid and give it one good stir to submerge. Nestle the seared chicken thighs and any accumulated juices from the plate on top of the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  5. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the skillet stand, still covered, for 10 minutes to steam. Remove the lid, add the pineapple chunks, and gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the pineapple in. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Do not use pineapple packed in heavy syrup, as it will make the dish too sweet. Ensure the pan is not crowded when searing the chicken to get a proper golden-brown crust. Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear is essential for a fluffy texture.
Variations: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. Chicken breast or pork tenderloin can be substituted for thighs, but adjust cooking time. For extra veggies, add diced red bell pepper or snow peas during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
Flavor Boosts: Drizzle with toasted sesame oil before serving, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the aromatics for heat, or stir in a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Serving: Pairs well with steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad.