1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), ground black pepper, and rice vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a sweet and savory flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly.

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours.

2. Cook the Rice

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, a teaspoon of olive oil (or butter), and salt. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes (white rice) or 25-30 minutes (brown rice), until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Gently fold in the pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. The heat from the rice will slightly warm the pineapple, creating a burst of flavor with each bite. Keep the rice covered and set it aside while you prepare the chicken.

3. Caramelize the Pineapple

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the pineapple chunks and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to caramelize and turn golden brown. If you like your pineapple extra sweet, you can sprinkle the brown sugar over the pineapple and let it melt and create a syrupy glaze. For an added touch of flavor, you can sprinkle in a little ground cinnamon as well.

Stir the pineapple occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and set the pineapple aside. The sweet, caramelized pineapple will add a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish.

4. Cook the Chicken

While the rice is cooking and the pineapple is caramelizing, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

If you prefer a grilled flavor, you can cook the chicken on an outdoor grill. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble the Dish

To assemble the Pineapple Chicken and Rice, spoon a generous portion of the rice mixture onto each plate. Top with slices of the grilled chicken and a heaping scoop of the caramelized pineapple. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions for added color and flavor.

Serve the dish immediately while the chicken is warm and the rice is fragrant. The sweetness of the pineapple, the savory chicken, and the flavorful rice make for a delicious, balanced meal that is sure to satisfy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once your Pineapple Chicken and Rice bowls are assembled, it’s time to dig in! This dish is best served fresh, with the warm rice, grilled chicken, and caramelized pineapple coming together to create a satisfying meal. You can also serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or a cool beverage like iced tea to complement the flavors.