Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet & Savory Skillet Favorite

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, colorful, and crave-worthy, look no further than Pineapple Chicken and Rice. This tropical-inspired recipe brings together juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory rice in one flavorful skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.

The balance of sweet and tangy pineapple, paired with the umami richness of soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken bites, makes this dish a family favorite. And the best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes, all in one pan.

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Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

• 🍍 Tropical flavor from fresh or canned pineapple
• 🍗 Tender chicken pieces seasoned and sautéed to perfection
• 🍚 Fluffy rice infused with savory-sweet sauce
• 🥘 One-pan meal = less mess, more flavor
• 🧑‍🍳 Quick & easy — ready in 30–40 minutes
• 🍴 Meal-prep friendly and great for leftovers

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You likely have most of these pantry staples already — just add chicken and pineapple!

Main Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups uncooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, not syrup)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tsp grated ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds

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How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
2. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Rice & Broth

1. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it in the oil and aromatics.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey/maple syrup (if using).
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and bring to a simmer.

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Step 4: Add Pineapple & Simmer

1. Stir in the pineapple chunks (with some juice for flavor if desired).
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

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Step 5: Fluff & Finish

1. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered.
2. Fluff with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

📝 Optional: For extra tang, squeeze a little lime juice over the top before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Pineapple Chicken and Rice

✅ Use fresh pineapple for the brightest flavor, but canned in juice works well too
✅ Don’t skip the resting period after cooking — it helps the rice finish steaming
✅ Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist
✅ For extra protein, mix in some cooked edamame or scrambled egg
✅ Make it low-carb by using cauliflower rice (cook separately to avoid excess moisture)

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Variations & Add-Ins

🍍 Hawaiian-Style:

Add diced ham and green peas for a tropical fried rice feel.

🥦 Veggie-Packed:

Stir in broccoli, snap peas, or carrots during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.

🥥 Coconut Twist:

Replace 1 cup of broth with unsweetened coconut milk for creamier flavor.

🍤 Shrimp Version:

Swap the chicken for shrimp and add during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

🌶️ Sweet & Spicy:

Stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or sweet chili sauce.

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What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• 🥗 Cucumber salad with sesame vinaigrette
• 🥬 Stir-fried bok choy or green beans
• 🥢 Egg rolls or spring rolls
• 🍵 Miso soup or coconut soup
• 🍹 A refreshing tropical drink like mango iced tea or pineapple lime agua fresca

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

🧊 Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

❄️ Freezing:

Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

🔁 Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive texture. Microwave works too—cover and heat on medium until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but increase the liquid slightly and extend the simmer time to 35–40 minutes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?

Cover and simmer a few extra minutes, adding a bit more liquid as needed.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Sweet + savory combo from pineapple and soy sauce is unbeatable
• One-skillet simplicity keeps cleanup easy
• Family-friendly with kid-approved flavors
• Customizable for different dietary needs or spice levels
• Perfect balance of carbs, protein, and flavor

Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort food or something fun and fresh for dinner, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers bold taste and satisfying texture.

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Final Thoughts: A Taste of the Tropics, Any Night of the Week

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is the perfect marriage of tropical fruitiness and savory skillet comfort. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and full of flavor — a total win for anyone wanting a vibrant twist on classic chicken and rice.

With its easy prep, flexible ingredients, and comforting warmth, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

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