Name: Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 1 cup pineapple, cubed (fresh or canned); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

So, what’s the story behind the name Pineapple Chicken and Rice? Picture this: tender chicken cubes swimming in a vibrant medley of pineapple and colorful veggies, all served atop fluffy rice. You might wonder—who put all these fabulous ingredients together? Well, it turns out this dish is a culinary love letter to the fusion of sweet and savory flavors. And as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this dish certainly captures hearts and appetites alike! With a name as tempting as its ingredients, you owe it to yourself to whip up this delightful meal—trust me, you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Tropical Chicken and Rice Dish

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for Pineapple Chicken and Rice! First, the main highlight of this dish is its incredible mix of flavors. The sweet burst of pineapple beautifully complements the savory chicken, while the fresh vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice tie everything together in perfect harmony.

Second, making this dish at home is easy on the wallet—especially compared to takeout—plus, you get to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your taste.

Lastly, you’ll love the finishing touches: crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions elevate every bite with added texture and brightness. If you enjoyed our Teriyaki Chicken recipe, you’ll find this dish equally satisfying with its own tropical twist. So let’s get cooking!

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Quick Overview

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is as easy as it is delicious. With only 10–15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of total cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or low-effort weekend meals. The savory-sweet sauce seeps into the rice, creating a comforting and irresistible bowl of flavor you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cubed
1 cup pineapple, cubed (fresh or canned)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Cook the chicken:
Add cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add veggies and pineapple:
Stir in red bell pepper, grated ginger, cubed pineapple, and soy sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Add rice and broth:
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Stir it into the skillet along with the chicken broth.
Simmer and cook:
Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes or until rice is fluffy and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Rest and garnish:
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve!

What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it further with:

A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Steamed or stir-fried broccoli or sugar snap peas
Tropical fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and berries
Beverages: Pair with chilled white wine, pineapple-infused sparkling water, or iced green tea for a refreshing contrast

These pairings add freshness and texture while complementing the sweet-savory theme.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Fresh vs. canned pineapple: Both work well, but fresh gives a firmer texture and more natural sweetness. If using canned, choose one in juice, not syrup.
Use well-rinsed rice: Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking ensures a fluffy result with separated grains.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or serve with sriracha on the side.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute tofu for chicken and use veggie broth for a plant-based twist.
Double the sauce: If you like saucy rice bowls, feel free to increase the soy sauce and broth slightly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but it will need a longer cook time and possibly more liquid.

What vegetables can I add?
Try snap peas, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or zucchini for extra color and crunch.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Toss in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chili for added heat.

Is it gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes! Add it in during step 3 with the veggies and pineapple to heat it through.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, tropical-inspired dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and filled with the kind of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress guests, this dish is an absolute winner.

Try it once, and it just might become your new weeknight favorite. So go ahead—bring a little aloha to your kitchen and enjoy every savory, sweet, and satisfying bite. Happy cooking!