Sticky Pineapple Chicken & Rice

by

🍍🍗 Sticky Pineapple Chicken & Rice

Juicy caramelized chicken and golden pineapple chunks coated in a sweet-savory glaze, served over flavorful seasoned rice. A delicious one-bowl dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp pineapple juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Rice

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Extra pineapple wedges
  • Optional: sliced green onions
  • Optional: sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add the chicken and toss until completely coated.

Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Rice

Heat butter or olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Stir in the rice, paprika, black pepper, and a little salt. Toast for about 1 minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

3. Caramelize the Pineapple

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pineapple chunks and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and lightly caramelized.

Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Chicken

Using the same skillet, add the marinated chicken.

Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Pour in any remaining marinade and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing it to reduce into a glossy glaze.

Return the caramelized pineapple to the skillet and gently toss everything together.

5. Assemble

Spoon the fluffy seasoned rice into a large serving bowl.

Pile the sticky pineapple chicken generously over the rice.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and add a pineapple wedge on the side.

🔥 Best Tips

  • Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and flavorful.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
  • Let the pineapple develop dark golden edges for the best caramelized flavor.
  • Fresh pineapple gives the dish a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works too.
  • For extra heat, add ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.

🍽️ Serving

Serve hot with extra pineapple, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of the pan glaze over the top.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating: 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes