If you’re craving a dish that sings with tropical vibes and balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, you’ve got to try this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. Tender chicken pieces swim in a luscious, smoky-sweet pineapple sauce that’s bursting with fresh ginger and garlic notes, served atop fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. This dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite, making it an instant favorite for weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. It’s a vibrant crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role to build layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and inviting textures that make the dish truly special.
- Chicken breasts (2 lbs, skinless and boneless): Tender and lean, cut a bit larger than bite-sized to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons, divided): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to enliven the taste.
- Cooking oil (2 ½ tablespoons, divided): For searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, providing a lovely golden crust and rich base.
- Bell pepper (1, red or green, large dice): Adds vibrant color and a crisp, fresh bite.
- Sweet onion (1 small, chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and savory depth.
- Fresh grated ginger (2 teaspoons): Delivers a warm, zesty brightness essential to Hawaiian flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Builds aromatic layers that are simply irresistible.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, or more): Adds just the right amount of heat to spice things up.
- Pineapple chunks (1 can, 20 oz, with juice): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- Barbecue sauce (¾ cup, smoky and slightly sweet): Adds complexity and a delicious smoky charm—make sure to avoid honey-based varieties for the perfect balance.
- Brown sugar (â…“ cup): Enhances the caramel notes and balances acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar (3 teaspoons): Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): For thickening the sauce into a glossy, luscious coating.
- Cold water (4 tablespoons): Used to make the cornstarch slurry that ensures a smooth sauce.
- Green onions (2, sliced): The perfect fresh garnish to add color and a mild oniony crunch.
- White long-grain rice (2 cups, well rinsed): Fluffy and tender, it serves as the comforting base of the dish.
- Water (2 cups): For cooking the rice evenly.
How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. This simple foundational step ensures your rice has the perfect texture to soak up all the flavorful sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they develop a light golden brown crust, about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t worry about fully cooking them at this stage—you want a nice sear to lock in juices and flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of oil. Toss in the diced bell pepper and chopped onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds a lovely sweetness and freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until the kitchen is filled with their heady aroma. These bold flavors are the heartbeats of the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe, setting the tone for all the layers to come.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the pineapple chunks along with their juice, the smoky barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and sprinkle another teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir everything gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. This combination creates a harmonious dance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this into the skillet while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, luscious texture that clings to every bite of chicken.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Your Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is almost ready to enjoy. Scoop generous portions of the pineapple chicken mixture over the fluffy white rice, allowing that irresistible sauce to soak in and shine.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions work beautifully as a topping, offering a fresh pop of color and a mild crunch that complements the saucy chicken perfectly. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty touch, giving every bite an added dimension.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a one-pan meal, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas will add more texture and nutrition to the meal. For a more tropical touch, a side of fresh pineapple slices or a simple cucumber salad dressed in lime juice balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves—this instantly elevates the presentation and adds a subtle pineapple fragrance. Alternatively, layering it in parfait cups with coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts makes for an eye-catching and tasty buffet addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pineapple chicken and rice should be cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or easy dinners on busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pineapple chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze the chicken mixture separately from the rice to preserve texture. Frozen this way, it can last up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating helps keep the rice moist and prevents the sauce from drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating and to bring back that sauce’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier and more flavorful result due to their higher fat content, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.
Is there a substitute for barbecue sauce in this recipe?
You can use teriyaki sauce or a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika for a similar sweet and smoky flavor, but barbecue sauce brings a unique depth that really makes this dish shine.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and sauté until golden before adding the sauce. The flavors hold up beautifully with plant-based proteins.
What type of rice works best with this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal here for its fluffy texture and ability to soak up sauces without becoming mushy. Jasmine rice works great if you enjoy a slightly fragrant aroma.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that you can easily adjust. Feel free to increase or omit them based on your heat preference to keep the dish perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say your kitchen will transform into a tropical paradise once you make this Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s a heartwarming meal full of bold flavors and bright ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe promises joy in every bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
