One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice – Easy Sweet & Savory Weeknight Dinner

A sweet and savory One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice made with tender chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, and fluffy rice. A quick, flavorful 30-minute dinner perfect for busy nights and easy family meals.

Description

This One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice is a cozy, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, warm rice, sweet pineapple, and a savory-sweet sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup simple and dinner effortless. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and tropical flavor, ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. If quick, flavorful dinners are your thing, you’ll enjoy my One-Pot Jambalaya with Shrimp & Sausage and the creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Skillet. For something sweet and savory, try my Honey Garlic Chicken, or keep it sizzling with these Chicken Fajitas. You can also pair this dish with a side of Mexican Street Corn.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder1 small onion, diced2 cloves garlic, mince

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Green onions, sliced (optional)

Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until lightly browned.

3. Stir in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

4. Add the rice and stir for 30 seconds to lightly toast it.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger powder. Stir well.

6. Add the pineapple chunks and bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.

8. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

9. Fluff with a fork and top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve warm straight from the pot. It pairs well with steamed broccoli, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete weeknight dinner.

Tips

Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking, or it may turn mushy. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for 2 minutes before serving. Add a splash of extra soy sauce if you want it more savory. Use jasmine rice for the most fragrant result, but avoid instant rice.

One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice — FAQ

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly and keeps this recipe quick and easy.

Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely—thighs stay juicy and flavorful.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Simply substitute coconut milk or omit cheese if the recipe uses it.

Q: How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.