If you’re craving a vibrant, sunny dinner that feels like a mini vacation in every bite, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice is your golden ticket. Juicy pineapple, tender bites of chicken, and fragrant rice cook together in a single pan for a dish that’s as easy as it is delightful, offering that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whether it’s a weekday or you’re hosting friends for a tropical-themed meal, you’ll find everyone asking for seconds of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice—the irresistible one-pot wonder you didn’t know you needed!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor, with each element adding its own magic to the final dish. Don’t skip the pineapple juice—it’s what gives our Pineapple Chicken and Rice that signature burst of sweet and savory flair!

Chicken (1 pound, breast or thighs): Go for boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-size pieces; thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts give a leaner bite.
Olive or coconut oil (1–2 tablespoons): A healthy fat for searing—coconut oil adds a little more island flavor, but olive oil keeps things subtle and golden.
Canned pineapple chunks or tidbits with juice (15–20 oz): The star ingredient—don’t forget to reserve the juice for flavoring the rice.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Uncooked is great for a one-pot dish, or use leftover rice if you want to make a fried rice version.
Chicken broth or water (about 1 cup): Gives the rice its tender, fluffy texture and savory base.
Onion or bell pepper (optional, 1 small): Adds sweetness and color—try red or yellow bell pepper for a cheery look.
Salt and pepper: Essentials to balance and lift all the vibrant flavors.
Optional seasonings (garlic, soy sauce, honey, ginger, chili flakes): Stir in for a more layered, punchy taste that ranges from sweet to savory and even spicy.
Optional garnishes (green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges): Sprinkle on top for a burst of color, freshness, and that finishing touch!

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken with salt and pepper, then spread it out in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 3–5 minutes, turning once—it should be lightly browned, but don’t worry about cooking it through yet. This helps lock in juiciness and gives a lovely golden edge.

Step 2: Add Fresh Aromatics

If you’re using onion, bell pepper, or garlic, now’s the time! Toss them into the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This quick step adds a subtle sweetness and brightens every bite.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice with Pineapple Juice

Add your rice to the pan and give everything a good stir to coat the grains in all those delicious juices. Pour in the reserved pineapple juice plus chicken broth or water. This little moment is where all the magic happens: the rice soaks up that tropical tang, setting the stage for our Pineapple Chicken and Rice to shine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Pineapple and Finish Cooking

Gently fold in the pineapple chunks, then return the chicken to the pan, nestling it among the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes (check after 15!). The rice will turn perfectly fluffy and the chicken finishes cooking while everything melds together with that unmistakable pineapple aroma.

Step 5: Mix It Up – Skillet or Fried Rice Variations

To make a quicker skillet version with pre-cooked rice, brown the chicken, then add diced bell pepper and pineapple chunks. Whisk up a sauce of pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger; pour it in and toss everything together. Serve this lively Pineapple Chicken and Rice over warm, fluffy rice for a fast-track dinner that feels indulgent.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A handful of sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or a few squeezes of fresh lime will take your Pineapple Chicken and Rice from homey to absolutely restaurant-worthy. These finishing touches add crunch, fresh aroma, and a pop of color that makes the plate sing.

Side Dishes

Pineapple Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with simple steamed or stir-fried greens, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some grilled corn. If you want an even more tropical vibe, try a side of coconut slaw or sweet fried plantains.

Creative Ways to Present

Go festive and serve your Pineapple Chicken and Rice inside hollowed-out pineapple bowls for a fun island presentation—guaranteed to wow at dinner parties! For a Hawaiian haystack twist, layer your rice, chicken, and pineapple, then offer toppings like chow mein noodles, shredded cheese, coconut, and crunchy almonds so everyone can create their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers of Pineapple Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch is just as rewarding as the fresh batch!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well—just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to fluff up the rice. Stir occasionally so everything heats evenly and you don’t lose the lovely textures.

FAQs

Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and confirm that your chicken broth is gluten-free. This dish is naturally gluten-free otherwise, so adaptations are a breeze.

What type Main Course

Long-grain white rice is classic for Pineapple Chicken and Rice, but jasmine or basmati also shine for added aroma. Leftover cooked rice turns this meal into a speedy fried rice version—so feel free to get creative!

Is it possible to use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You bet! Fresh pineapple brings extra juiciness and tang. Just slice it into chunks and use about 2 cups, reserving any juice you can collect. If you need more liquid, supplement with extra broth or a splash of water.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. The sweet pineapple and savory seasonings work just as well with plant-based proteins.

Can I prepare Pineapple Chicken and Rice ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. This recipe is excellent for meal prepping: portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Just add your favorite crunchy veggies and fresh garnishes to keep things exciting all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something that feels like sun on your plate and joy in your kitchen, Pineapple Chicken and Rice won’t let you down. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a tropical trip without ever leaving home—you’ll be dreaming of seconds and loving every forkful!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken and rice for a tropical twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this flavorful one-pot meal is easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

1 pound (about 450 g) boneless skinless chicken, diced
1–2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
1 can (15–20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits with juice (reserve juice)
1 cup long-grain white rice
About 1 cup chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

1 small onion or bell pepper
Optional seasonings: garlic, soy sauce, honey, ginger, chili flakes
Optional garnishes: green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges

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Instructions

Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear until lightly browned (3–5 minutes).
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, or bell pepper until softened.
Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice, reserved pineapple juice, and broth. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Add pineapple chunks and chicken. Cover, simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.

Notes

Use leftover rice for a quick pineapple chicken fried rice.
For a Hawaiian haystacks-inspired dish, top creamy chicken and rice with pineapple, bell peppers, chow mein noodles, cheese, coconut, and almonds.
Try a Filipino-style ‘Pininyahang Manok’ variation with milk or coconut milk, pineapple, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop (One-pot or Skillet)
Cuisine: Fusion (Tropical, American, Filipino twist)