If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comes together quickly, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice that creates a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something both comforting and tropical. Ready in minutes, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy tastes that are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with savory chicken and rice.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike with a mild yet exciting flavor.
Versatile: Easily customized with different veggies or proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, fresh ingredients form the heart of the Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Each adds flavor, texture, or color, making this dish both delicious and visually appealing without complicating your prep time.

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides juicy and tender protein that soaks up the sauce.
Cooked white or brown rice: The base that balances sweet and savory flavors.
Fresh or canned pineapple chunks: Adds a burst of natural sweetness and acidity.
Bell peppers: For color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
Garlic and ginger: Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
Soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami-rich foundation.
Honey or brown sugar: Enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness and caramelizes slightly.
Green onions: For a pop of fresh color and a mild bite as a garnish.
Optional chili flakes: To add just a hint of heat if you like it spicy.

Variations for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This recipe’s flexibility lets you put your own twist on it — whether you want to bump up nutrition, change the protein, or add new textures, it’s super adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.

Swap the chicken: Use shrimp, tofu, or pork instead to vary the protein.
Add more veggies: Toss in snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrients.
Make it spicy: Include sriracha or fresh chili peppers for a fiery kick.
Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to lower carbs.
Add nuts: Toss in cashews or chopped peanuts for a crunchy contrast.

Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe to Try Today

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the bell peppers and green onions. Drain pineapple chunks if using canned, and mince your garlic and ginger to have everything ready for quick cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 4: Combine with Pineapple and Sauce

Add the pineapple chunks back in along with the cooked chicken. Pour in soy sauce and drizzle honey or brown sugar over everything, stirring well to coat and warm through.

Step 5: Mix in the Rice

Finally, stir in the cooked rice. Mix thoroughly, letting the rice absorb the juices and heat through for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Use day-old rice: It’s drier and less likely to clump, perfect for stir-frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed for better browning.
Balance flavors: Taste for sweetness and saltiness as you go to avoid overpowering.
Add acid: A splash of lime juice brightens the whole dish wonderfully.
Keep pineapple texture: Add pineapple towards the end to avoid overcooking and mushiness.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens this dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for extra veggies on the side, or enjoy it all on its own for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for an eye-catching tropical presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works well and is a convenient alternative to fresh or canned, just thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Day-old white rice is ideal for its texture, but brown rice or jasmine rice also work wonderfully depending on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! Pineapple Chicken and Rice holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times to make a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s generally mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste if you want a spicier dish.

Final Thoughts

This easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to, thanks to its quick prep and mouthwatering flavor combo. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious, colorful meal that everyone will love!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Print Recipe

A quick and easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is family-friendly, versatile, and packed with vibrant colors and textures.

Author: Emilly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Carbohydrates

3 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)

Fruits and Vegetables

1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Condiments & Seasonings

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)
1–2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell peppers and green onions. Drain pineapple chunks if canned, and mince garlic and ginger to have all ingredients ready for quick cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Combine with Pineapple and Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour in soy sauce and drizzle honey or brown sugar over everything. Stir well to coat and warm through.
Mix in the Rice: Stir in the cooked rice thoroughly, allowing it to absorb the juices and heat through for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Use day-old rice for better texture and less clumping when stir-frying.
Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure better browning.
Taste as you go to balance sweetness and saltiness appropriately.
Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Add pineapple towards the end to maintain its texture and avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, one-pan meal, weeknight recipe, tropical chicken dish, easy chicken recipe, family friendly