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