Tropical Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe: A 30-Minute Delight

Whipping up a quick and delicious pineapple chicken with coconut rice takes just half an hour of your culinary adventure.

Sweet tropical notes dance through tender chicken pieces that promise a flavor explosion.

Juicy pineapple chunks bring vibrant brightness to every single bite.

Fragrant coconut rice provides a creamy backdrop for this easy weeknight meal.

Each ingredient blends seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet sensations.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this straightforward recipe.

30 Minute Pineapple Chicken With Coconut Rice In A Flash

• Quickly Customize Your Dish: Swap proteins or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for different palates.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Elevate your dinner game with professional-level flavors and gorgeous presentation that looks like it came straight from a tropical kitchen.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a few simple tools, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess while delivering maximum deliciousness without complicated techniques.
• Balanced Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and complex carbohydrates from coconut rice, this meal offers a well-rounded nutritional profile that satisfies and energizes.

Ingredients List For Pineapple Chicken With Coconut Rice

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that serves as the star of the dish.
• Pineapple Juice: Sweet and tangy liquid that helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.
• Basmati Rice: Fragrant long-grain rice used as the base for the coconut rice.

• Soy Sauce, Ketchup: Provides depth and umami flavor to the chicken marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
• Shallots, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that build a complex flavor profile.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat to the dish.

• Cilantro, Lime, Avocado: Fresh ingredients that add brightness and creaminess to the final dish.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the rice.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.

Quick Method For Pineapple Chicken And Coconut Rice

Step 1: Create Tangy Marinade

Grab a glass jar and whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, shallots, garlic, ginger, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Pour one-third of this zesty sauce over the chicken and let it soak for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Salsa

Mix all salsa ingredients in a bowl, creating a vibrant and colorful topping for the chicken.

Step 3: Sear and Glaze Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden on both sides.

Lower heat and pour remaining sauce, allowing it to caramelize and coat the chicken beautifully.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Plate with Delicious Toppings

Place chicken over rice, generously spoon salsa on top.

Sprinkle diced avocado and squeeze fresh lime for a burst of brightness.

Step 5: Cook Creamy Coconut Rice

In a medium pot, combine coconut milk and water.

Bring to a gentle boil.

Add basmati rice and a pinch of salt.

Stir, cover, and reduce heat to lowest setting.

Cook for 10 minutes, then turn off heat.

Let rice sit covered for 15-20 minutes.

Fluff with a fork before serving.

Tricks For Juicy Pineapple Chicken And Coconut Rice

• Let chicken soak in sauce for maximum flavor – overnight marinating intensifies taste and tenderness.
• Control chili flakes to match your spice preference without overwhelming the dish's tropical profile.
• Cast-iron skillet ensures perfect caramelization and helps develop rich, deep flavors during cooking.
• Keep coconut rice covered after cooking to allow steam to distribute evenly and create fluffy texture.
• Add fresh cilantro and diced avocado just before serving to maintain bright colors and crisp textures.

Fun Variations On Pineapple Chicken With Coconut Rice

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Delight: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Bowl: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same sauce and grilling until golden and caramelized.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute coconut rice with cauliflower rice, creating a lighter option that keeps the dish's vibrant taste intact.
• Spicy Island Remix: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha sauce to intensify the heat, transforming the recipe into a zesty Caribbean-inspired meal.

Best Ways To Serve Pineapple Chicken And Coconut Rice

• Tropical Taco Night: Transform the chicken into street-style tacos with soft corn tortillas, adding extra pineapple salsa and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for zesty flavor.
• Island-Style Salad Bowl: Layer coconut rice, sliced chicken, and salsa over mixed greens, drizzling with remaining sauce for a light, refreshing meal that packs incredible taste.
• Picnic Perfect Wrap: Roll the glazed chicken, salsa, and avocado in large butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb lunch option that's easy to pack and enjoy outdoors.
• Quick Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and rice to create next-day lunch bowls, keeping flavors fresh and meal prep simple and delicious.

Proper Storage For Pineapple Chicken With Coconut Rice

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to airtight containers, separating them to maintain texture. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Place chicken and rice on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade special?

The marinade combines sweet pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, and spicy chili flakes, creating a complex flavor profile that tenderizes and adds depth to the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

While basmati works best, you can substitute jasmine or long-grain white rice, adjusting liquid and cooking time slightly to maintain the coconut rice’s creamy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat without overcooking and drying out.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, keeping all other ingredients the same.

30-Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise meets weeknight dinner with 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken, a zesty culinary journey blending sweet and savory flavors. Succulent chicken and caramelized pineapple nestle perfectly over fragrant coconut rice, offering you a quick escape to island-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 avocado

Sauce and Flavoring:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• juice of 1 lime

Aromatics and Fresh Ingredients:

• 1 shallot
• 1/2 small shallot
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeño
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, shallots, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a glass jar. Drench chicken with one-third of the mixture and refrigerate for 15 minutes to overnight.
2. Prepare fresh salsa by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of components.
3. Warm oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5 minutes, ensuring thorough cooking on both sides. Lower temperature to medium, then pour remaining sauce, allowing it to glaze and caramelize for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Remove skillet from heat and fold in fresh cilantro, coating chicken evenly.
5. Plate chicken atop coconut rice, generously topping with prepared salsa.
6. For coconut rice, merge coconut milk and water in a medium pot, bringing to a gentle boil. Introduce basmati rice and a pinch of salt, stirring carefully.
7. Reduce heat to lowest setting, covering pot and allowing rice to simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat completely, letting rice rest, covered, for an additional 15-20 minutes without lifting lid.
8. Fluff rice with a fork, creating light, separated grains. Garnish with diced avocado and a lime squeeze before serving.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use fresh pineapple juice for brighter, more vibrant taste compared to canned alternatives.
• Adjust chili flakes based on heat preference, adding more for spicy lovers or reducing for mild palates.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains similar marinade and cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 382 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg