Name: Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow); 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water; 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant, sweet-and-savory dish that brings together juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in one colorful, satisfying meal. With a tropical-inspired sauce and plenty of texture from bell peppers and green onions, it’s like a mini island getaway on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish is both comforting and fresh at the same time. The sweet pineapple contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken and flavorful sauce, while the rice soaks up all that goodness. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for when I want something quick, delicious, and a little different from the usual dinner routine.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow, chopped)
Green onions (sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Ginger (freshly grated or ground)
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Olive oil or sesame oil
Salt and pepper

Directions

I start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. I then remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, I add a little more oil and sauté the garlic, bell peppers, and green onions until slightly softened.
I stir in the pineapple chunks and let them caramelize slightly to bring out their natural sweetness.
In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), ginger, and a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
I pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer until thickened.
I return the chicken to the pan and toss everything to coat in the sauce.
I serve it hot over cooked rice, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in just 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add snap peas or broccoli for extra veggies. If I want a spicy kick, I throw in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes. For a lower-carb version, I serve it over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps. I’ve even used shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, coastal spin.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave until heated through. The rice may need a fluff with a fork to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, I use canned pineapple often. I just make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup, and drain it well.

What’s the best rice to serve with this?

I love using jasmine rice for its subtle floral aroma, but plain white rice or even brown rice works great too.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the sauce and chop the veggies and chicken ahead of time. I just cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check all ingredients.

How can I make it more tropical?

I sometimes add shredded coconut, a splash of pineapple juice, or serve it with grilled pineapple rings for a vacation-like touch.

Conclusion

Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is one of those meals that never fails to brighten up my table. With its sweet-savory balance, bold tropical flavors, and satisfying texture, it’s a dish I keep coming back to—especially when I want something fast, flavorful, and fun. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is always a win.