Aloha Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Aloha Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant vegetables come together in one comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and full of tropical charm.

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups uncooked instant white rice
• ½ cup diced red onion
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice, not drained
• 1 lb thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces
• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Spray an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the uncooked rice, diced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, pineapple with its juice, and diced chicken to the bowl. Stir gently to mix all ingredients together.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon if desired for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more natural sweetness and texture.
• Substitute jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer a different rice variety, but adjust baking time accordingly.
• Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a zesty kick.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. Avoid freezing as the texture of rice and pineapple may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can use regular white rice, but you will need to increase the baking time and possibly add more chicken broth to ensure the rice cooks fully.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is mild and sweet, but you can easily add heat by including chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Aloha Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

This Aloha Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole is a deliciously sweet and savory baked dish combining tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and flavorful brown rice all cooked together in one dish. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it features a tangy brown sugar and soy sauce glaze infused with garlic, making each bite a tropical delight.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Base

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups uncooked instant white rice
• ½ cup diced red onion
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice, NOT drained
• 1 lb. thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces

Optional Garnish

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced cooked bacon

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and dish: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make sauce mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the uncooked instant white rice, diced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, pineapple with its juice, and diced chicken pieces to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Bake covered: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to allow the rice to cook and chicken to begin cooking through.
5. Stir and continue baking: Remove the foil, stir the casserole to mix the ingredients well, then return it uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon if desired.

Notes

• Use instant white rice for best results; regular rice will require longer cooking time.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on your taste preference.
• Be sure not to drain the pineapple juice as it adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.
• Optional bacon garnish adds a smoky flavor but can be omitted for a lighter version.
• Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps the rice absorb liquid evenly.
• Allowing the dish to rest after baking improves the texture and taste.

Keywords: pineapple chicken casserole, baked chicken rice dish, Hawaiian chicken recipe, easy dinner casserole, sweet and savory chicken recipe