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A vibrant plate of pineapple chicken and rice, showcasing colorful ingredients and a delicious glaze.

One-Pot Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Enjoy a delicious and easy one-pot meal with this tropical pineapple chicken and rice recipe. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are infused with the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger for a taste of the tropics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Measuring spoon
  • Measuring cup

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced pineapple, undrained
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated or ½ tsp ground ginger
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
  • Add chopped onion to the pot, cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it evenly, then add chicken broth, undrained pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger, mixing well.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  • Gently stir the seared chicken back into the pot, cover, and let sit off heat for 5 minutes to finish cooking and meld flavors.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and ginger before searing. Ensure the pot is tightly covered during simmering for proper rice cooking. Do not lift the lid during cooking the rice, to ensure the moisture stays within. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the bell pepper and garlic. Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the sweetness of your pineapple and personal preference.