Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole – A Sweet and Savory Island Delight Everyone Will Love

Ready to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation? This Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, bringing together juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and hearty rice, all baked to perfection in a single dish. With every bite, you’ll get a hint of the islands—this is one dinner the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole

This dish takes inspiration from the classic flavors of Hawaii, where pineapple is often paired with savory ingredients like chicken or ham to create a mouthwatering contrast. The combination of sweet pineapple juice, salty soy sauce, and a hint of garlic makes for a perfectly balanced sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or just looking for something new to try, this casserole is a fun and easy way to mix up your weekly dinner routine!

Why Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole Will Be a Hit at Your Table

There’s so much to love about this casserole! First, it’s packed with bold, tropical flavors that will transport you straight to a beachside dinner. Second, it’s super easy to make—just toss all the ingredients into a baking dish, cover it with foil, and let the oven do the work. And last but not least, the combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and flavorful rice makes this a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Plus, who can resist the optional bacon and cilantro garnish?

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with a light side salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with a tropical drink like a pineapple smoothie or a virgin piña colada to really amp up the island vibes. The optional crispy bacon and fresh cilantro on top add texture and a pop of flavor, but you can also sprinkle some chopped green onions for an added crunch!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes if you prefer a crispy texture. This dish is also freezer-friendly! Just let the casserole cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

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Fun Fact: The Power of Pineapple in Cooking

Pineapple isn’t just a delicious fruit; it’s also a natural tenderizer for meat! The enzymes in pineapple juice help to break down protein, making it a great addition to marinades and casseroles like this one. This means the chicken in this casserole stays juicy and tender while soaking up all those incredible flavors.

Cooking Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Be sure to use a large enough baking dish so that everything cooks evenly. If the chicken and rice are too crowded, they may not cook through properly.

Bake Covered for Perfectly Tender Rice: Covering the dish with foil traps steam inside, helping the rice cook perfectly without drying out. Just don’t forget to remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to let the flavors meld and the top layer crisp up a bit!

Add More Vegetables: Want to boost the nutrition? Feel free to toss in some chopped zucchini, carrots, or peas for extra color and flavor.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some heat by stirring in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Hawaiian BBQ Twist: Mix a little BBQ sauce into the soy sauce mixture for a smoky-sweet flavor reminiscent of Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
• Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty finish.

Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe

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, diced into bite-sized pieces
• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and spray an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth until well combined.
3. Combine the casserole ingredients: Add the uncooked rice, diced onion, bell pepper, pineapple (along with its juice), and chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir everything together.
4. Bake covered: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
5. Uncover and bake again: After 50 minutes, uncover the casserole and stir. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Top with chopped cilantro and diced cooked bacon, if desired. Enjoy the taste of the tropics!

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Final Thoughts

Aloha Pineapple Chicken & Rice Casserole is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With the combination of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant rice, it’s a one-dish meal that’ll make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical island! Don’t forget to top it with bacon for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it up, kick back, and enjoy your culinary escape to paradise!