Description
Enjoy a quick and simple Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that perfectly combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and aromatic spices in a one-pot meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers balanced flavors and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Produce
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup grape juice (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Drain the pineapple chunks and set aside. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until transparent and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides.
- Add Bell Peppers and Pineapple: Stir in chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook for a few minutes to soften and release natural juices that enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Combine Liquids and Rice: Pour in grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring to combine. Add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and Garnish: When rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for better texture and juiciness.
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch and yields fluffier rice.
- Cook on low heat so rice absorbs all flavors without drying out.
- Adjust grape juice amount to balance sweetness and acidity as preferred.
- Stir gently during cooking to keep chicken pieces intact and rice fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, quick dinner, sweet and savory, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
