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A simple summery 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice. Quick-cooking chicken tossed in a sweet and salty pineapple soy sauce marinade with pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Chili flakes are added for a slight spicy kick, but the coconut rice balances everything out. Serve this tropical pineapple chicken with plenty of fresh pineapple salsa and creamy avocado. Every bite is spicy-sweet, and the salsa on top adds a juicy, summery bite. It’s delicious, healthy, and so darn easy. Perfect for busy weeknights.
This is one of those recipes where I just love how easily it came together and how fresh it tastes. I know summer is all about stone fruit, berries and tomatoes, but pineapple and mangos often get overlooked. And lets be real, we all know I have a real sweet spot for fresh pineapple.
I love snacking on it and I love using it in savory dishes to create layers of flavor and color within my recipes.
And you know? I love cooking with what I have on hand, which is exactly what I did with this chicken. It started out as more of a Hawaiian style pineapple chicken, but it ended up have a bit of a Jamaican flair to it.
It’s unusual and unique, but so delicious and I’m pretty excited with how this turned out. It’s easy, made in one skillet, and just so flavorful. And then there’s coconut rice too…all the (good) things I love.
The process
First up, the sauce. It’s where all the flavor lies within this recipe. It’s a pineapple and soy sauce base with brown sugar and ketchup for sweetness (very Hawaiian). Plus garlic, shallots, and ginger, for some tang and kick. I also added some chili flakes for a little bit of spicy heat.
Next, toss the chicken with a little of the sauce, then let the chicken marinate for a few minutes. If time allows, you can marinate the chicken overnight for encore flavor…plus more tender pieces of chicken too.
While the chicken marinates, I like to toss together the salsa. This is where the Jamaican flair comes into play. I toss fresh pineapple chunks with lime juice, shallots, jalapeño, and some fresh thyme too.
The thyme might sound odd, but it’s heavily used in Jamaican jerk dishes that often feature fresh pineapple. I love the switch from the usual cilantro to the thyme. Its such a nice light flavor that really pairs so wonderfully with the pineapple and the salty-sweet chicken.
Before you begin with the chicken, I start a quick batch of coconut rice. It’s my absolute favorite side dish with this type of chicken dinner. Creamy with a very subtle sweetness and coconut flavor.
Now, pan-fry the chicken until both sides have cooked through. Then pour in the remaining pineapple soy sauce mix, and let it simmer down and caramelize over the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked. Stir in some fresh cilantro.
Now, put it all together
Serve the chicken over the coconut rice. Then grab that salsa and spoon it over the chicken. Add fresh diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice.
And you guys…that’s it. This takes 30 minutes to make and it’s not only delicious but fun too!
Looking for other quick summer dinners? Here are some favorites:
Rosemary Peach Chicken in White Wine Pan Sauce
Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
3 Cheese Zucchini “Ravioli” with Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce
Lastly, if you make this 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 361 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Pineapple Salsa
Instructions
- 1. In a glass jar, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, shallots, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the chicken and let sit 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. 2. Meanwhile, make the salsa: combine all ingredients in bowl. 3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, cook 5 minutes until cooked through on both sides. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining soy sauce mix. Cook until the sauce glazes the chicken and begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. 4. Serve the chicken over rice and spoon the salsa over the chicken. Sprinkle on the diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Coconut Rice: Combine 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk and 1/2 cup water in a medium pot. Bring to a low boil. Add 1 cup basmati rice and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, cover, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook 10 minutes on low, then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit, covered for another 15-20 minutes (don’t take any peeks inside!). Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
This post was originally published on July 22, 2021
How would i be able to make the coconut rice with brown rice instead of white?
Rachel – I used brown basmatti rice and it turned out great.
Hey Rachel,
So sorry, I almost never work with brown rice, so I do not know the exact cooking times/measurements. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try:) xTieghan
This is a spectacular (we called it Asian Fusion) feast! The sauce (we left the catsup out; we didn’t have any) is so well rounded and layered in flavor. The pineapple salsa is spicy and sweet and the avocado (I never would have thought to try) is an unexpected delight. Coconut rice is a perfect partner and would have not been the same without it.
This is the second time this week that your recipes have provided a new and unique dinner in our home. Thank you for your efforts.
Hey Nina,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
This was easy and really delicious! Just happened to have a pineapple that was getting too ripe so it was perfect.
Hey Tina,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
Absolutely loved it! Coconut rice was definitely a new thing for us, and it was fantastic! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out delicious – we overate, no question. It was just that good. Thanks for the amazing recipe – I’ll be making this one again!
Hey Kristi,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
MAde this the day you posted it! The gang loved the flavor – especially the coconut rice! Made it a 9,500 feet so had to make some cooking time adjustments. Used the instant pot so rather than 2:1 ratio liquid to rice, I did 1:1 and it came out lovely. Super creamy and luxurious! Added a little fresh scallion to give it a little bite at the end
The chicken was pretty tasty. However, we thought a little bit more acid enhanced it even more – used a little pickled pepper on top along with the cilantro and lime.
Served this with your serrano pineapple margarita – great combo!!!
Hey Janis,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
This was fantastic! I received the email and made it the same day. The salsa alone we could eat with a spoon. I happened to have a mango on my counter that I chopped and added to the salsa, delicious! Also added a bit of extra pineapple juice. And….just happened to have some good salty tortilla chips that were delicious with the salsa. That salty/sweet combination was outrageous. We loved the flavor of the marinated chicken. Will definitely be a keeper on my regular menu!
Hey Cathy,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
Hey! Marinade is delicious- but question is the 2tablespoons of thyme in salsa a typo? I ended up using 1 teaspoon and liking it!
Not questioning your magic, just was unsure! @halfbakedbarvest
Hey Rachel,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, the measurements are correct, but of course you can always adjust to your liking:) xTieghan
Were you using dried thyme? Could be why the 2 tbsp seemed like so much
Hey Jess,
For this recipe I used fresh thyme:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
10 minute cook time on rice, followed by 20 minute rest, results in wet undercooked rice at my altitude 6800ft ?
Hey there,
Did you try making the rice? I make rice like this almost daily and am also at a high altitude. You should have no issues:) xTieghan
Made this for my 40th Bday today! Amazing taste and texture. Forgot the avocado though..pairs very well with coconut rice!
Hey Josh,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! Happy Birthday? xTieghan
Super easy! Full of flavor!
I had pork chops that needed to be cooked so I used them instead of chicken. Perfect!!
Hey Kimberlee,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
This is so delicious and simple.Love the pineapple with the chicken…..so summeRish too Thanks Tieghan
Hey Mimi,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
Wow! Another hit with the family! All of your recipes are just perfect! The flavors are amazing! Thank you for sharing your passion for cooking with us and helping us to be better cooks for our families!
Hey Sharon,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
sounds very good
will make this!
Thanks so much Pat!!
This looks awesome and flavorful! I am trying to think of a good vegetarian replacement for the chicken – any thoughts? Shiitake? Zucchini chunks? Halloumi? Tempeh?
I remember you said you didn’t like tofu – you should try tempeh if you haven’t done so. It’s a similar consistency to halloumi but nutty-flavored and made of soy.
Hey there,
I would probably use cauliflower in place of the chicken. I hope you love this dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Cannot wait to try–can we sub the ketchup for anything else?-not a fan of it…thank you!
I have the same comment – one person in the house who doesn’t eat ketchup. Thank you!
I’m not Tieghan of course, but how would the person even know there was ketchup in this? I’m sure it just adds a little sweetness and tang to the recipe and with only 2 tbsp, it seems likely no one would know if it was there unless they were told 🙂
Hey there,
You really can’t taste the ketchup in this recipe, it just adds a nice sweetness, but you could also try tomato paste. I hope you love the dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This looks amazing! I love pineapples in every form, and I think that the combination of sweet pineapple in a savory dish is delicious. The coconut rice looks like a great addition too.Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks so much Natalie! I hope you love the recipe! xTieghan