There’s nothing better than a meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and leaves you with minimal dishes to clean. Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice checks all those boxes! Juicy chicken, tender rice, and sweet pineapple come together in a delicious mix of flavors that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- One-pan convenience – Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Sweet and savory balance – The tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with savory chicken and soy sauce.
- Filling and satisfying – A complete meal with protein, carbs, and a touch of tropical flavor.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast or thighs (for juicy, tender bites)
- Fresh or canned pineapple (for sweetness and flavor)
- Jasmine or long-grain rice (to soak up all the delicious juices)
- Soy sauce and garlic (to add a savory depth)
- Bell peppers and onions (for crunch and color)
- Chicken broth (to keep everything moist and flavorful)
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in a pan with a little oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, cook diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic until they soften and become fragrant.
Add the Rice and Pineapple
Stir in the rice, pineapple chunks, and soy sauce, letting everything mix together before adding chicken broth.
Simmer Until Perfect
Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let it simmer on low until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through—about 18–20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Fluff the rice, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh pineapple – It adds a more natural sweetness compared to canned.
- Don’t stir too much – Let the rice cook undisturbed to avoid mushiness.
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of pineapple juice while simmering.
- Crispy chicken option – Brown the chicken well before adding to the rice for extra texture.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat.
- Use brown rice – Swap white rice for brown, but add extra broth and cook longer.
- Go low-carb – Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the liquid.
- Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for tofu and use veggie broth.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. For an extra tropical touch, serve it with coconut milk-based drinks or a fruity iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out.
- Microwave option – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
- Freeze for later – Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes! Thighs stay extra juicy and add more flavor to the dish.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple?
No, canned works too—just drain it well before adding.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken and veggies, then add everything else and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.
What’s the best way to meal prep this?
Make a big batch and portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go meals!
Conclusion
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect balance of flavors in a simple, one-pan meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the tropical goodness!
Print
Tropical Pineapple Chicken with Rice: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Combo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect blend of tangy pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then cooked to perfection and served over a bed of rice. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or special family meals
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later). Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and pineapple chunks, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the cooked rice and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add extra honey to the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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