Pineapple Chicken Rice Cheese (Printable Page)

Baked chicken combined with pineapple, rice, and a golden cheese topping for a savory meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Transfer sautéed chicken and vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add uncooked rice, pineapple chunks, chicken broth, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 - Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
06 - Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove foil from casserole. 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 Tips:

01 -
  • One-dish convenience means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with loved ones
  • Sweet pineapple chunks create a delightful flavor contrast with savory chicken and cheese
  • Naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish, ideal for busy weeknights
  • The golden, bubbly cheese topping adds irresistible visual appeal and rich flavor
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep
02 -
  • Use a large skillet to sauté the chicken and vegetables—this ensures even browning and better flavor development
  • Don't skip the standing time after baking; it helps the casserole set properly for cleaner serving
  • If the cheese starts browning too quickly in the final baking stage, tent loosely with foil
  • Fresh pineapple offers brighter flavor, but quality canned pineapple works perfectly and saves prep time
  • Always verify labels for broth and cheese to ensure they're gluten-free if needed
  • This casserole freezes well—assemble completely but don't add the cheese topping, freeze, then thaw and add cheese before the final bake
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