Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Easy Sweet & Savory One-Dish Dinner

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A comforting and balanced pineapple chicken and rice dish made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks well drained
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly golden.
  4. Stir in rice, pineapple, soy sauce, and spices.
  5. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and pour in chicken broth.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken briefly before cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to balance sweet and savory.

Conclusion  

Pineapple chicken and rice is a reminder that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. With simple ingredients and gentle flavors, it creates a meal that feels thoughtful, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its quiet reliability. It adapts to your schedule, works with what you have on hand, and delivers consistent results every time. It’s the kind of dish that becomes part of your routine — not because it’s flashy, but because it’s comforting and dependable.

The combination of savory chicken, fluffy rice, and subtle sweetness creates a harmony that feels both nourishing and familiar. It’s food that supports everyday life, offering warmth and satisfaction without heaviness.

Whether you’re cooking for family, preparing meals ahead, or simply looking for a dish that feels good to come home to, pineapple chicken and rice is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Simple, balanced, and comforting, it earns its place as a true home-cooking favorite.