Name: 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
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; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded (if desired) and chopped; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 avocado, diced; Cooked coconut rice (quantity as desired, roughly 2 cups cooked)

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If you’re looking for a vibrant, tropical twist to your weeknight meals, this 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines juicy, tender chicken bathed in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze with the creamy richness of coconut-infused rice, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving something exotic or simply want a quick dish that dazzles the taste buds, this recipe delivers on all fronts with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Let me take you through how to bring this delicious dish to your table in just half an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a salad made of small yellow pineapple chunks mixed with pieces of green herbs and small bits of white onion scattered throughout. Bright green leafy sprigs are placed on top as garnish. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl, positioned on the right side, with its handle extending outside. The bowl sits on a wooden surface, and in the bottom left corner, a glass jar filled with green leafy herbs is visible. The scene is warm and natural, with bright colors standing out against the neutral tones photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Here’s the beautiful thing about the 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe — the ingredients are straightforward yet packed with flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether adding depth to the savory chicken or brightness to the coconut rice, making your cooking process simple but the result extraordinary.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty umami backbone without overpowering the pineapple sweetness.
Pineapple juice: Brings a luscious, tropical tartness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes that enhance the glaze on the chicken.
Ketchup: Balances sweetness and tanginess in the sauce.
Shallots and garlic: Infuse layers of aromatic flavor into the marinade and salsa.
Grated ginger: Gives a subtle spicy warmth that brightens the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle kick that wakes up your palate.
Sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a nutty richness.
Fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal lift at the end.
Fresh pineapple chunks: These add sweet bursts of juicy texture to the salsa.
Jalapeño: Seeded and chopped, it adds vibrant heat without overwhelming the dish.
Lime juice: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweet and savory notes.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds an earthy, fragrant twist to the salsa.
Avocado: Creamy diced avocado perfectly cools the palate against the spicy, tangy flavors.
Coconut milk (not listed but essential for rice): For cooking the rice to finish with a rich, tropical creaminess.

How to Make 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, chopped shallots, garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a glass jar or bowl. Pour about one-third of this marinade over your bite-sized chicken pieces, letting them soak up all those bright, sweet, and savory flavors for at least 15 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it sit overnight intensifies the taste, but even the brief wait works wonders.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa

While the chicken marinates, combine fresh pineapple chunks, finely chopped shallot, diced jalapeño, lime juice, and fresh thyme in a bowl. This salsa will bring freshness and texture, brightening the rich flavors of the chicken and rice. Set it aside so the flavors can mingle.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them for about five minutes, turning occasionally to get that lovely golden sear on all sides. Once cooked through, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining marinade. Let it cook until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, caramelizing just enough to add a wonderful richness and depth. Stir in chopped cilantro at the end for an herbal burst.

Step 4: Cook the Coconut Rice

While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice by substituting plain water with coconut milk in the cooking process. This simple swap transforms the rice into a creamy, fragrant bed that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of the pineapple chicken. Fluff it with a fork just before serving.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Serve the glossy pineapple chicken on a mound of fluffy coconut rice. Spoon generous amounts of the vibrant pineapple salsa on top, and scatter diced avocado for a creamy finish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything brings the whole dish together beautifully.

How to Serve 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe

The dish is presented on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, consisting of a base layer of white rice covering the entire plate. On top of the rice are several pieces of dark brown glazed tempeh, arranged irregularly and showing a shiny texture. Scattered around and on the tempeh are small yellow pineapple cubes and green avocado chunks, adding bright color contrast. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, with sprigs of thyme resting on top. A few lime wedges with their light green flesh are placed on one side near the edge of the plate. A gold-colored fork is partially resting on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding extra cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions gives the finished plate a fresh, green pop against the golden hues of chicken and pineapple. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty hint. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a bright zing to each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish packs a lot of flavor, so light and crisp side dishes like a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens work best to balance the meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy wonton chips or garlic naan bread can also add textural contrast and soak up the delightful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve this tropical dish in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a stunning presentation that doubles as a conversation starter? For a casual twist, wrap up the chicken and coconut rice in large lettuce leaves for handheld pineapple chicken lettuce cups – a fun way to customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover pineapple chicken and coconut rice store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the salsa separate maintains its fresh-tasting crunch and brightness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and rice together, but the pineapple salsa is best made fresh. Freeze the chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep textures just right. Add fresh salsa and avocado after reheating for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and remain extra juicy, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy pineapple sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly until they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy? What if I don’t like heat?

The recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes and jalapeño, but you can easily leave these out if you prefer milder flavors. The dish still tastes fantastic without the heat.

Can I make the coconut rice without coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, you can use regular water or chicken broth, but the rice won’t have that signature creamy, tropical flavor. Adding a little shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes at the end can help recreate some of that richness.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also keeps it tender. Be careful not to overcook — the glaze forming in the pan is a good indicator that the chicken is done, usually within 10 minutes total cooking time.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pineapple juice?

You can substitute with orange juice or a mixture of orange juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic the fruity acidity. However, using pineapple juice keeps the tropical flavors authentic and bright.

Final Thoughts

This 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice Recipe is a celebration of flavors that brings sunshine to your dining table with every bite. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for those busy nights when you want something exciting and satisfying without fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite go-to that’s just as loved by friends and family as it is by you!