Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory seasonings with fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan meal – Less cleanup and simple preparation.
- Sweet and savory combination – A perfect balance of flavors.
- Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well.
- Versatile – Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Kid-friendly – A mild and tasty dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Onion, diced
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and diced onions. Cook until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and pineapple: Stir in bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Pour in soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Teriyaki Flavor: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a richer taste.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
- Grain Alternative: Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Extra Crunch: Top with cashews or peanuts for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Drain it before adding to the dish.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine or basmati rice works great, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store it in the fridge for easy meal prep.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What vegetables can I add?
Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make great additions.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, sauté the chicken first, then add the ingredients and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool before adding to the dish.
What sauce pairs well with this dish?
Sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, or extra soy sauce enhance the flavors.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious, easy meal that combines sweet and savory flavors in a single skillet. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for the week, this dish is a surefire hit. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal!
PrintPineapple Chicken and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe pairs well with white or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and pineapple chunks, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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