Pineapple Chicken Rice Cheese (Printable Version)

Baked chicken with pineapple, rice, and a bubbly cheddar cheese layer.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cubed

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned and drained
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Rice

06 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Sauces & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned on the exterior.
03 - Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
04 - Transfer the sautéed chicken and vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add uncooked rice, pineapple chunks, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
05 - Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
06 - Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove the foil from the casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and rice is tender.
08 - Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pineapple brings a subtle sweetness that plays beautifully against savory spices, creating something that feels both familiar and surprising.
  • Everything cooks in one dish, so cleanup is nearly painless and your oven does most of the work while you relax.
  • It feeds a crowd generously without requiring any complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
02 -
  • Don't skip the initial searing of chicken, even though it's tempting to just throw everything together raw. That browning creates flavor depth that makes the entire dish taste better.
  • If your rice seems dry after the covered bake, the oven temperature might be running cool. Check with a thermometer before your next attempt.
03 -
  • If you use canned pineapple, save the juice and use it to replace a portion of the chicken broth for deeper tropical flavor.
  • Let your cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling it on top, which helps it melt more evenly and brown better.
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