Description
Aloha Pineapple Chicken Rice Casserole is a deliciously sweet and savory one-pan meal combining juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tender rice all baked together in a flavorful brown sugar soy sauce. This easy dump-and-bake casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and vibrant flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients
- 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 oz) can pineapple tidbits in juice (NOT drained)
- 1 lb thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, diced
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced cooked bacon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth until combined.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add uncooked instant white rice, diced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, pineapple tidbits with juice (do not drain), and diced chicken breasts to the sauce mixture. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and ensure even cooking of the rice and chicken. Place in the oven.
- Initial Baking Phase: Bake covered for 50 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquids and the chicken to cook through gently.
- Stir and Uncover Bake: Carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole ingredients to mix the layers, then return the dish uncovered to the oven.
- Final Baking: Bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with optional chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the foil is sealed tightly to properly cook the rice by trapping steam inside.
- Do not drain the pineapple juice; it is essential for cooking the rice and adds a subtle sweetness and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pineapple chicken casserole, baked chicken rice dish, sweet and savory casserole, easy dump and bake, weeknight dinner, pineapple recipes, one-pan meals
