Unforgettable Chicken & Pineapple-Cilantro Rice: A Match Made

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Make the chicken: Mix brown sugar, pepper, thyme, cumin, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, and nutmeg in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Rub mixture onto both sides of chicken breasts and place into a 9-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle any remaining seasoning mix on top of chicken if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is lightly browned, no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Meanwhile, make the rice: Bring rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

Chop 1/2 of the pineapple slices. Mix chopped pineapple, cilantro, and olive oil into the cooked rice, then season with garlic salt and black pepper. Fluff rice with a fork and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with the baked chicken and top with the remaining pineapple slices.