Pineapple Chicken Rice Cheese (Print Version)

Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice topped with melted cheddar cheese baked until golden.

# Components:

→ Protein

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks together in one dish—minimal cleanup required
  • Perfect balance of savory chicken and sweet pineapple creates exciting flavor depth
  • Naturally gluten-free and adaptable to various dietary preferences
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish
  • The bubbly cheese topping adds restaurant-quality appeal to a simple home-cooked meal
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day
02 -
  • Always verify that your chicken broth and cheese are certified gluten-free if serving to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
  • Let the casserole rest for the full 5 minutes after baking—this allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving much easier
  • Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, but canned works perfectly in a pinch
  • Double this recipe easily for larger gatherings—just use two casserole dishes or one very large roasting pan
  • Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven
  • For extra crispy cheese on top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning
Return