Pineapple Chicken Rice Cheese (Printable Version)

A baked dish combining chicken, pineapple, rice, and cheese for a savory, wholesome meal.

# What You'll 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat 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 become 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 components are evenly distributed.
05 - Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
06 - Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove foil from the casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10 additional minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and rice is tender.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
  • Perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a crowd-pleasing combination
  • Naturally gluten-free, making it accessible for various dietary needs
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish
  • Feeds six people generously, ideal for family dinners or meal prep
  • Golden, bubbly cheese topping adds irresistible appeal
02 -
  • Cut chicken into uniform cubes (about 1-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole
  • Don't skip the resting time after baking—it allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving cleaner
  • For meal prep, assemble the casserole up to step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
  • Always verify labels on chicken broth and cheese if serving to gluten-sensitive guests, as some brands contain hidden gluten
  • Use a glass or ceramic casserole dish for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation
  • Double-check that your rice is uncooked before adding—the baking process cooks it to perfection
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