I still remember the first time I made this pineapple chicken and rice recipe—it instantly felt like comfort food with a tropical twist. I love how the sweet pineapple balances the savory chicken and rice so perfectly.
When I tasted it straight from the pan, I knew it was going to be a regular in my kitchen. This dish reminds me that simple ingredients can create bold flavors. If you enjoy sweet-and-savory meals, you can also enjoy similar recipes like Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe that combine flavor and ease.
Ingredients
I kept the ingredients simple and pantry-friendly, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.
Chicken breast – 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces (Lean chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the pineapple flavor well; fresh chicken gives the best texture.)
Long-grain white rice – 1 cup (This rice stays fluffy and soaks up the sweet-savory sauce without becoming mushy; rinsing removes excess starch.)
Pineapple chunks – 1 can (20 oz) with juice (Canned pineapple provides consistent sweetness, and the juice adds moisture and flavor to the rice.)
Soy sauce – ¼ cup (Adds salty umami depth that balances the sweetness; low-sodium works if you prefer less salt.)
Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons (Enhances caramel-like sweetness and blends smoothly into the sauce.)
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (Fresh garlic gives stronger aroma and flavor compared to garlic powder.)
Onion – 1 medium, diced (Creates a savory base and adds mild sweetness as it cooks.)
Chicken broth – 1 cup (Cooks the rice while adding more flavor than water.)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing chicken and aromatics while adding richness.)
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy, takeout-style consistency.)
Salt – ½ teaspoon (Enhances overall flavor; adjust based on soy sauce saltiness.)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (Adds gentle heat and balances the sweet elements.)
Green onions – 2 tablespoons, sliced (Used as garnish for freshness, color, and mild onion flavor.)
Note: This ingredient quantity serves approximately 4 people as a complete main dish.
Note: This ingredient quantity serves about 4 people comfortably as a main dish.
Variations
One thing I love about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different diets and tastes. You can even enjoy a meaty twist with a Classic Smashed Burger Recipe for days when you crave comfort food.
For a dairy-free version, you’re already set since this recipe contains no dairy.
To make it sugar-free, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or rely solely on pineapple juice.
For extra flavor, add grated fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can swap chicken breast with chicken thighs for juicier results.
For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken and chicken broth.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
You won’t need anything fancy—just basic kitchen tools.
Large skillet or deep pan – for cooking chicken, sauce, and rice evenly
Cutting board – for safely chopping chicken and vegetables
Sharp knife – for clean, even cuts
Measuring cups and spoons – to keep flavors balanced
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring without damaging the pan
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe?
I like to cook everything in one pan to keep it simple and flavorful. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect meal every time.
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all ingredients beforehand. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and stress-free.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and mostly cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the savory base of the dish.
Adding Rice and Liquids
Pour in the rice, chicken broth, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice. Stir well so the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Making the Sauce
Add soy sauce and brown sugar to the pan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates the signature sweet and savory sauce that coats every grain of rice.
Simmering Everything Together
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This usually takes about 15–18 minutes.
Thickening the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pan. Add the cooked chicken back in. Let everything simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and rice nicely.
Final Touch
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, I picked up a few tricks that really improved it.
- I always rinse the rice first; it keeps the final dish from becoming sticky.
- I let the chicken rest after browning—it stays juicier when added back later.
- I sometimes caramelize the pineapple briefly for deeper sweetness.
- I prefer fresh garlic because it gives a stronger, cleaner flavor.
- I keep the heat low while simmering to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Presentation makes this dish even more inviting, especially when serving guests.
Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a rustic look. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. I like pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables to balance the sweetness. For special occasions, serve it in a bowl with extra pineapple chunks on top for a vibrant finish.
Nutritional Information
These values are approximate and based on one serving.
Calories – Around 420 per serving
Protein – About 28 grams, mainly from chicken
Carbohydrates – Roughly 48 grams from rice and pineapple
Fat – Approximately 10 grams from olive oil and chicken
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe works well for meal prep and leftovers.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days without losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze pineapple chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and stir halfway through heating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish checks all the boxes for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal.
- It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and one pan.
- The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
- It’s versatile and works for meal prep or quick dinners.
- You can customize it easily for different diets and tastes.
- It feels comforting yet exciting with its tropical twist.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and full of personality, this pineapple chicken and rice recipe is one I truly recommend trying.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all ingredients beforehand. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and stress-free.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and mostly cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the savory base of the dish.
- Pour in the rice, chicken broth, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice. Stir well so the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add soy sauce and brown sugar to the pan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates the signature sweet and savory sauce that coats every grain of rice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This usually takes about 15–18 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pan. Add the cooked chicken back in. Let everything simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and rice nicely.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle.
Notes
- I always rinse the rice first; it keeps the final dish from becoming sticky.
- I let the chicken rest after browning—it stays juicier when added back later.
- I sometimes caramelize the pineapple briefly for deeper sweetness.
- I prefer fresh garlic because it gives a stronger, cleaner flavor.
- I keep the heat low while simmering to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
