If you’re craving something cozy and exciting, Pineapple Chicken and Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero. Sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice all come together in one pan for a dinner that feels like takeout—but tastes fresher, brighter, and way more satisfying.
This is the kind of meal that saves busy evenings. It’s quick, flexible, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if the laundry says otherwise). Trust me—your kitchen is about to smell like a tropical vacation with a side of comfort food.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Let’s talk about why Pineapple Chicken and Rice deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
- Fast but impressive: Ready in about 30 minutes, yet tastes restaurant-worthy
- Sweet-meets-savory magic: Pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey strike the perfect balance
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes = happier you
- Family-friendly: Mild, flavorful, and easy to customize
- Great for leftovers: It reheats like a dream for lunch the next day
This dish is especially perfect if you’re juggling work, kids, or just decision fatigue at dinnertime. You don’t need complicated steps—just solid ingredients and a little confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast – Lean and protein-packed; thighs work great if you prefer extra juiciness
- Olive or sesame oil – Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty twist
For the Sauce
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Brings bold aroma and depth
- Soy sauce (½ cup) – Salty and savory; low-sodium works beautifully
- Pineapple juice (⅓ cup) – Sweet, tangy, and tropical
- Honey or brown sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds warmth and balance
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) – Brightens everything up
- Cornstarch (1 tsp) + water (1 tbsp) – Thickens the sauce to glossy perfection
For the Main Dish
- Cooked rice (1½ cups) – White, brown, or jasmine all shine here
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup) – Fresh or canned (just drain well)
- Red bell pepper (½, diced) – Adds crunch and color
- Green onions (¼ cup, chopped) – Fresh finish and pop
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds for nuttiness
- Crushed red pepper if you like a little heat
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Chef tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—give that chicken room to brown instead of steam.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. When it smells amazing (that’s your cue), pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Thicken and Combine
Stir the cornstarch and water together, then add it to the pan. Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything in that irresistible sauce.
4. Add the Rice
Fold in the cooked rice gently, letting it warm through and soak up all that flavor. This only takes about 2 minutes—but the transformation is magical.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot. Take a moment to admire your work—then dig in.
Chef Omar’s Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens)
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of pineapple juice or water.
- Sauce too thin? Let it simmer another minute—it’ll behave.
- Want more veggies? Toss in snap peas, broccoli, or carrots.
- Rice shortcut: Microwave rice packets are totally welcome here.
And if your sauce looks a little rebellious at first, don’t panic. Once everything comes together, it smooths out like it was always meant to.
A Little Kitchen Story
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe became a staple after one of those “surprise company at 6 p.m.” moments. I had chicken, rice, and a lonely can of pineapple staring at me from the pantry. Thirty minutes later, my guests were scraping the pan and asking for the recipe. That’s how you know a dish is a keeper.
FAQs About Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra richness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is Pineapple Chicken and Rice freezer-friendly?
It freezes well, though the bell peppers will soften slightly when reheated.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
What rice works best?
Jasmine rice is my favorite, but brown rice adds a hearty texture too.
Bring a Little Sunshine to Your Dinner Table
There’s something special about a meal that’s comforting and cheerful, and Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers on both fronts. It’s sweet, savory, satisfying, and just adventurous enough to shake up your routine—without stressing you out.
So grab that skillet, cue up your favorite playlist, and let this Pineapple Chicken and Rice turn an ordinary night into a delicious win. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking—and don’t forget to savor every bite.
More Dinners You’ll Totally Want to Make Next
If this Pineapple Chicken and Rice hit the spot, don’t stop here—your dinner inspiration is just getting warmed up. Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that pair perfectly with the same cozy, flavorful, “what’s-for-dinner-solved” vibe. Save them now… your future self will thank you.
- Love sweet-and-savory chicken dishes? This Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken is rich, melty, and impressive without being fussy—perfect for date nights or when you want to wow with minimal effort.
- Need another fast, low-stress weeknight meal? You’ll adore this One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies—big flavor, easy cleanup, and zero drama in the kitchen.
- Craving something bright and comforting with rice? This Authentic Lemon Rice brings fresh, sunny flavors that feel light yet satisfying, especially when you want a meatless option.
- Want a hands-off dinner that basically cooks itself? This Crockpot Green Chili Chicken is cozy, bold, and perfect for busy days when the slow cooker does all the work.
Whether you’re planning the week or just browsing for your next crave-worthy meal, these recipes keep the comfort coming—one delicious dinner at a time.
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet and savory one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. This easy weeknight recipe delivers big takeout-style flavor with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup—perfect for busy families who still want something special on the table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
For the Sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
⅓ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
For the Main Dish
1½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup green onions, chopped
Optional Toppings
Sesame seeds
Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Mix the cornstarch with water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Return the chicken to the pan and add the pineapple chunks and red bell pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
Fold in the cooked rice and cook for 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and optional toppings, and serve hot.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier texture.
Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra veggies.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 day
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg