Pineapple Chicken Rice

Category: Evening Meal Excellence

Just 45 minutes and one pan for this sweet-salty pineapple, rice, and chicken meal. Play around with veggies you’ve got. Family favorite for sure.
Ranah
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 19:36:48 GMT
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Pin
Pineapple Chicken and Rice | chefemmakitchen.com
This lively mix of tangy and savory notes takes you straight to the islands. Pineapple Chicken with Rice is a bright combo of soft chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice. You get layers of comfort and excitement in every tasty bite. It feels like summer with each forkful. I'll never forget tossing pineapple into my usual chicken and rice — it changed everything. The boost of sweetness totally upgraded the meal, turning something regular into something unforgettable.

Must-Have Ingredients List

Soy Sauce: Delivers deep, savory flavor that makes pineapple stand out Bell Peppers: Pick a colorful mix for bursts of sweetness and color Jasmine Rice: Its light, fragrant scent gives everything a tropical vibe Chicken: Slice boneless thighs or breasts into similar sizes for even results Ginger: Fresh and zingy, this root adds warmth and kick Pineapple: Stick with fresh for that sweet pop and great mouthfeel

Tropical Vibes Step-By-Step

Add The Finishing Touch Top with sesame seeds and fresh chopped herbs at the table. Mix Everything Up Layer the chicken, peppers, and pineapple together in the pan to blend the tastes. Build That Base Fry up your ginger and aromatic veggies till they smell amazing. Let The Chicken Soak Give the chicken a quick marinade so flavors really sink in. Fluff The Rice Rinse the grains well, then cook them until light and tender.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Dinner Pin
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Dinner | chefemmakitchen.com
Whenever she whipped up a stir fry, my grandma always went for a super hot pan and cold oil. That little trick kept the chicken juicy and gave it a perfect golden crust.

Boost Your Plate

Want to turn things up? Put this on the table with crunchy egg rolls, cool cucumber salad, or a pile of stir-fried baby bok choy. For fun, scoop it into a cored pineapple for a jaw-dropping presentation.

Fun Twists

Make it your own: add cashews if you want crunch, stir in coconut milk for creamy richness, or throw in Thai basil for a blast of aroma. Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice if you're looking for lighter.

Freshness Tips

Keep extra portions sealed tight in your fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it back up slowly with a little water to keep the rice soft and not dry. After tons of trial and error, I've learned this one hits best when the sweet pineapple and the savory bits play off each other. Take a little care with each ingredient and you'll turn a simple meal into a real treat.
Bright Pineapple Chicken and Rice Pin
Bright Pineapple Chicken and Rice | chefemmakitchen.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh pineapple?
Totally! Chop up about 2 cups, plus half a cup of juice. Canned works for lazy days.
→ What's the best rice to use?
Try jasmine or basmati for their flavor. Regular long-grain’s fine. Brown rice just takes longer to cook.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Oh yeah! Toss in carrots, peas, or snap peas. Hard veggies should go in earlier so they soften up.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Pop it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. You can freeze it too, for about three months.
→ Can I make it spicy?
For sure! Sprinkle in chili flakes or a bit of sriracha. The sweetness and the spice go great together.

Pineapple Chicken Rice

Chicken and pineapple mix with veggies and rice. It’s fruity, colorful, and super simple for any busy night.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
By: emma

Category: Dinner

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, uncooked
02 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained—make sure to keep the juice
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1 pound chicken breast, chopped into small pieces

→ Sauce and Seasonings

05 1 teaspoon fresh or ground ginger, grated
06 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
07 2 tablespoons honey
08 1/4 cup soy sauce
09 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

→ Vegetables and Garnish

10 Salt and pepper as you like
11 A handful of fresh cilantro for topping
12 1/4 cup chopped green onions
13 1 red bell pepper, diced

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Taste and add salt and pepper if you want, then sprinkle with green onions and cilantro. Dish it up while it's hot!

Step 02

When the rice's ready, toss your cooked chicken back in with pineapple bits. Mix it up and warm everything for a few minutes.

Step 03

Toss in the honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice you saved, chicken broth, and rice. Give it a big mix, boil, then turn down, cover, and let it go for 15-18 minutes until the rice is soft.

Step 04

With the same pan, cook up the bell pepper, ginger, and garlic for a couple of minutes till they smell good and begin to soften.

Step 05

First, pour olive oil in a big skillet over medium. Add chicken pieces and let them brown and cook all the way through—takes about 6–7 minutes. Once done, move them out for now.

Additional Notes

  1. Swap in any veggies you like
  2. Super handy for meal prep and keeps well in the freezer
  3. Fresh or canned pineapple both work just fine

Tools You'll Need

  • Cutting board
  • A sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Big skillet with a lid

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Has soy, thanks to soy sauce