Pollo en Pina (Chicken in Pineapple)
Pollo en Pina, or Chicken in Pineapple, is a delightful dish that brings together the savory goodness of chicken with the sweet tanginess of pineapple. This recipe, originating from Guatemala and Mexico, offers a burst of tropical flavors that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 – 4 pounds skinless chicken pieces
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Shortening
- 4 cups rice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 6 cups water
- Morton Lite Salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in lime juice and minced garlic for at least two hours. This step allows the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors of the lime and garlic, ensuring a burst of zesty goodness in every bite.
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Grill the Chicken: After marinating, grill the chicken pieces in a heavy skillet or on a barbecue until they are golden brown and cooked through. The grilling process adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste and texture.
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Prepare the Pineapple Sauce: In the same skillet used for grilling the chicken, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, and chunks of pineapple. If there isn’t enough pineapple juice, you can add chicken stock to cover the chicken pieces. This flavorful sauce infuses the chicken with the sweet and tangy essence of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with tropical goodness.
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Simmer the Chicken: Cover the skillet and simmer the chicken over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish that’s packed with aromatic goodness.
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Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the rice. Wash the rice thoroughly and allow it to dry. In a separate skillet, heat some shortening, then add the rice and fry until it’s well browned, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add chopped tomatoes and onions, cooking until slightly softened. Next, add water, salt, peas, and diced carrots. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a quick boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken and rice are cooked to perfection, it’s time for the best part—serving and enjoying this delectable meal! Plate the grilled chicken alongside a generous helping of fluffy rice, garnish with colorful peppers for a pop of brightness, and savor every mouthful of this flavorful dish.
Pollo en Pina is a true culinary delight that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its vibrant flavors and comforting aroma, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, Pollo en Pina is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the tropics—one delicious bite at a time!