Pineapple chicken and rice is an easy weeknight dinner packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice come together with a sticky homemade sauce for a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you want something quick without sacrificing flavor. If you enjoy sweet and savory chicken meals, these sticky chicken bowls are another delicious option to try.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice
There are plenty of reasons to add this easy pineapple chicken recipe to your dinner rotation:
- Quick to prepare: Dinner can be ready in approximately 30–40 minutes.
- Sweet and savory: Pineapple and honey balance the salty, umami flavor of soy sauce.
- Easy to customize: Change the vegetables, rice, chicken, or level of spice.
- Family-friendly: The familiar combination of chicken and rice gets a fruity, flavorful upgrade.
- Simple cleanup: Most of the pineapple chicken mixture cooks in one skillet.
If quick cleanup is especially important on busy evenings, these easy sheet pan chicken pitas are another convenient chicken dinner built around minimal cleanup.
Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice
You don’t need an extensive ingredient list to make flavorful chicken with pineapple and rice.
Chicken
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly.
- Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and tend to remain especially juicy.
- Cut the pieces to approximately the same size for more even cooking.
For another way to turn basic chicken breasts into an easy dinner, this creamy cottage cheese chicken recipe is a useful recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation.
Pineapple
Both fresh and canned pineapple work well.
- Fresh pineapple provides a firm, juicy texture.
- Canned pineapple chunks reduce preparation time.
- Pineapple juice from the can can be reserved for the sauce.
Using the pineapple juice in the sauce also helps reinforce the tropical flavor throughout the entire dish.
Rice
Jasmine rice is an excellent choice because its subtle aroma complements the sweet pineapple sauce.
Other options include:
- Long-grain white rice
- Brown rice
- Coconut rice
- Cauliflower rice
For another rice-based dinner idea, Mediterranean lentils and rice offers a completely different combination of warm spices, lentils, rice, and caramelized onions.
Vegetables and Aromatics
Add color, crunch, and additional flavor with:
- Red or green bell peppers
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Green onions
Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and zucchini are also easy additions.
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Sauce
A simple pineapple chicken sauce can include:
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Honey or brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Water
Cornstarch is particularly useful because it transforms the liquid into a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to the chicken and vegetables.
How to Prepare the Ingredients
A little preparation makes this quick chicken and rice recipe much easier to cook.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces.
- Chop the bell pepper and onion.
- Drain canned pineapple and reserve some juice.
- Mince the garlic and fresh ginger.
- Prepare the rice.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together before heating the skillet.
Having everything ready is important because the chicken, vegetables, and sauce cook relatively quickly.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
1. Cook the Rice
Prepare jasmine or long-grain rice according to the package directions.
For additional savory flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and keep it warm.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the bite-sized chicken in a single layer and cook until the exterior develops a golden-brown color.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Cook in batches if necessary.
- Turn the chicken so multiple sides can brown.
Giving the chicken enough room helps it sear rather than steam.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until slightly softened while still retaining some texture.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger near the end. These aromatic ingredients cook quickly, so adding them later helps prevent burning.
4. Add the Pineapple
Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook briefly.
Allowing the pineapple to lightly caramelize concentrates some of its sweetness and creates a delicious contrast with the savory chicken and soy sauce.
5. Add the Pineapple Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir until the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple are evenly coated.
Let the mixture simmer briefly.
If the sauce isn’t thick enough:
- Combine cornstarch with cold water.
- Stir until completely smooth.
- Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce.
- Continue stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
The technique is similar to the sticky glaze used in these sweet and savory chicken rice bowls, where cornstarch helps create a sauce that coats the chicken.
6. Serve Over Rice
Taste the pineapple chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Spoon the chicken, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce over warm rice. Finish with optional toppings such as:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Red pepper flakes
Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to the finished dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Bite-sized chicken pieces cook quickly.
- Use a sufficiently hot skillet. High enough heat encourages browning.
- Avoid overcrowding. Too much chicken in one skillet can trap moisture.
- Adjust the sweetness. Very sweet pineapple may require less honey or brown sugar.
- Thicken a runny sauce. Add a little cornstarch slurry.
- Thin a thick sauce. Stir in pineapple juice, chicken broth, or water.
- Taste before serving. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and spice until balanced.
What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Pineapple chicken and rice can work as a complete meal because it already combines protein, carbohydrates, fruit, and vegetables.
You can also serve it alongside:
- Steamed broccoli
- Bok choy
- Snap peas
- Cucumber salad
- Asian-style slaw
- Edamame
- Roasted vegetables
Lightly seasoned vegetables are particularly good choices because their freshness balances the rich, sticky pineapple sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly.
Properly stored cooked chicken leftovers generally keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
When reheating pineapple chicken and rice:
- Microwave individual portions until thoroughly heated.
- Alternatively, warm the meal gently in a skillet.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the rice has become dry.
- Stir occasionally so the chicken and rice heat evenly.
The recipe can also be portioned into individual containers for convenient lunches.
FAQs About Pineapple Chicken and Rice
What Goes Well With Pineapple Chicken?
Pineapple chicken pairs particularly well with jasmine rice, coconut rice, steamed broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, cucumber salad, or slaw.
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes. Canned pineapple is convenient and works very well in this recipe. Pineapple packed in juice is especially useful because the reserved juice can become part of the sauce.
Can You Cook Chicken and Rice Together?
Yes, but you need a recipe specifically designed for one-pot cooking. The rice needs the correct amount of liquid and cooking time while the chicken must cook completely.
How Do You Thicken Pineapple Chicken Sauce?
Combine cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Gradually stir it into the simmering sauce until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
What Rice Is Best With Pineapple Chicken?
Jasmine rice is an excellent option because its subtle fragrance complements pineapple and savory soy sauce.
You can also try:
Long-grain white rice
Brown rice
Coconut rice
Cauliflower rice
Can I Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice for Meal Prep?
Yes. Divide the cooked chicken and rice into individual airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Adding a small amount of extra sauce can help prevent the reheated meal from tasting dry.
How Long Does Pineapple Chicken and Rice Last in the Refrigerator?
When handled and refrigerated properly, cooked chicken leftovers generally keep for 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers thoroughly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple chicken and rice is simple, flavorful, and easy to customize. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, fluffy rice, and a savory sauce makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Serve it as written or add your favorite vegetables, extra spice, or coconut rice. For another easy dinner idea, try this Thai peanut chicken crockpot recipe.
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Easy Sweet and Savory Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice made with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, colorful bell peppers, fluffy jasmine rice, and a sticky homemade pineapple sauce. This easy family-friendly dinner is ready in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
1 cup pineapple juice
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the jasmine rice according to the package directions, then fluff it with a fork and keep warm.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper. Add it to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the pineapple chunks and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir well.
Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the mixture into the skillet.
Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
Serve the pineapple chicken over warm jasmine rice.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor.
Fresh or canned pineapple works well. If using canned pineapple, choose pineapple packed in juice and reserve the juice for the sauce.
Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you prefer a spicy pineapple chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 520
- Sugar: Approximately 22 g
- Sodium: Approximately 900 mg
- Fat: Approximately 14 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 63 g
- Fiber: Approximately 3 g
- Protein: Approximately 37 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 95 mg
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken and Rice, pineapple chicken recipe, chicken and pineapple with rice, pineapple chicken rice bowl, easy chicken dinner, sweet and savory chicken, 30 minute chicken dinner