Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table with its blend of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and tangy Dijon mustard. The chicken breasts are seasoned and browned to perfection before being simmered in a honey-pineapple Dijon sauce. The addition of warm pineapple slices adds a juicy burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Serve over cooked rice for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice:

Sweet & Savory Flavor Balance: The combination of pineapple juice, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, enhancing the juicy, seasoned chicken.
Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
One-Skillet Wonder: From browning the chicken to simmering the sauce, everything is done in one pan, minimizing dishes and cleanup.
Tropical Twist on Comfort Food: The pineapple and garlic-infused sauce adds a tropical twist to classic chicken and rice, bringing new excitement to a weeknight meal.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They’re easy to cook and absorb the sauce beautifully. You can also use boneless thighs for a richer flavor—just adjust the cook time as needed.
Seasoning: A mix of thyme, salt, and pepper adds subtle herbal notes to the chicken without overwhelming the sauce. Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your preference.

Pineapple

Canned Pineapple: Canned pineapple is convenient and works well in this recipe since we need both the juice and slices. If you’re using fresh pineapple, just blend a few pieces for the juice and slice the rest.
Reserved Pineapple Juice: Be sure to set aside the juice after draining! It’s key to making the sauce and thickening it with cornstarch.

Sauce Ingredients

Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and pineapple. Regular mustard works if you don’t have Dijon, though it’s milder.
Honey: This natural sweetener rounds out the mustard’s tanginess and pairs beautifully with pineapple. Maple syrup or agave could be used as a substitute.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a touch of warmth to the sauce and complements the pineapple’s sweetness.

Rice

Cooked Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of white, jasmine, or brown rice for a complete meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful. For extra nutrition, you could also try quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the Chicken Breasts: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil.
Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Pineapple

Drain Pineapple: Drain the juice from the pineapple slices, reserving the juice for later use. Set the pineapple slices aside for topping.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, mix 2 oz of the reserved pineapple juice with the cornstarch until smooth.
Dijon Sauce: In another bowl, combine the remaining pineapple juice with Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the Dijon mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the Chicken: Set the chicken breasts aside temporarily.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Combine and Heat Through

Return the Chicken to Skillet: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the thickened sauce.
Add Pineapple: Arrange the pineapple slices on and around the chicken in the skillet. Cover and heat for another 2-3 minutes to warm the pineapple.

Step 8: Serve

Plate and Serve: Serve the chicken and pineapple slices over cooked rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider these ideas:

Green Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach to add a pop of color and a nutritious complement.
Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness and adds freshness.
Tropical Mocktail: Pair with a refreshing drink like pineapple lemonade or coconut water for a tropical-themed meal.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips:

This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored easily, making it a great option for leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, brown the chicken, then add the pre-made sauce, saving you time.

Tasty Variations:

Want to put a twist on this Pineapple Chicken and Rice? Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken: Swap out the honey and Dijon for 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a slightly more Asian-inspired flavor.
Ginger-Garlic Pineapple Chicken: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a subtle warmth and depth that complements the garlic.
Coconut-Pineapple Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamier texture and tropical twist.

Conclusion:

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal with a tropical touch. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and sweet-savory sauce makes it a standout dish that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to whip up and filled with flavor. Give it a try, and bring a little bit of the tropics to your table!