Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy

Name: Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Breast (or chicken thighs); 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium); 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice; 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water); 1 tbsp Water; 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine); 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or canned); 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper (diced); 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped); Sesame seeds (for serving); Crushed red pepper (optional)

Jessica Baker

Update : January 11, 2026

Pineapple chicken served with rice, showcasing a sweet and savory dish.

Why Make This Recipe

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh pineapple, and savory rice creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and little time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice is straightforward. You’ll start by cooking the chicken until golden brown and then combine it with flavorful sauces, pineapple, and vegetables. Finally, mix it with cooked rice for a complete meal. It’s that simple!

Ingredients:

1 lb Chicken Breast (Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.)
2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (Used for sautéing.)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.)
1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low sodium is a healthier alternative.)
1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.)
2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.)
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (Can use white vinegar in a pinch.)
1 tsp Cornstarch (Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.)
1 tbsp Water
1.5 cups Cooked Rice (Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.)
1 cup Pineapple Chunks (Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.)
1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper (Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.)
1/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped; chives make a great substitute.)
Sesame seeds (For serving; customize based on taste preferences.)
Crushed red pepper (Optional for extra spice.)

Directions:

Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive or sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch mixed with water, and crushed red pepper if using. Pour this sauce into the pan with the vegetables.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with pineapple chunks. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix with Rice: Stir in cooked rice and green onions. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds on top.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be served as a main dish. To add more color and flavor, top with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or even crushed red pepper for some heat. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How to Store Pineapple Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, let them cool down and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving again.

Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or brown sugar based on your preference.
Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.

Variation

You can make this dish with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist. Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and cook it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, Pineapple Chicken and Rice is great for meal prep. Just store it in portioned containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Absolutely! You can try using mango or peach chunks for a different fruity flavor in this dish.