Some dinners taste like a warm hug after a long day. Others, like this Pineapple Chicken and Rice, taste like a mini vacation. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice come together in one skillet to create a tropical chicken recipe that feels both comforting and refreshing. This sweet and savory chicken dish is proof that you don’t need plane tickets to enjoy a getaway—you just need a skillet, a few pantry staples, and a pineapple.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this easy family meal is a weeknight win. It’s colorful, satisfying, and will leave everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? You can get it on the table in about 40 minutes without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Balanced flavor: Sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and tangy soy sauce.
- One-skillet magic: Less mess, fewer dishes.
- Family-friendly: A jasmine rice dinner everyone can enjoy.
- Tropical vibes: A pineapple stir fry twist that’s easy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How to Make It
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add pineapple and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
- Stir in jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Return chicken to skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Go fresh: Fresh pineapple works best, but canned (in juice, not syrup) is a great shortcut.
- Rice matters: Jasmine rice gives the dish its signature aroma, but basmati or long-grain rice also work.
- Boost the flavor: A splash of extra soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end makes it richer.
- Veggie swaps: Add snap peas, zucchini, or broccoli if you want more greens in your pineapple stir fry.
And if your rice sticks a little? Don’t panic. Just call it “crispy bits” and serve proudly—it’s delicious either way.
My Personal Take on This Dish
The first time I made Pineapple Chicken and Rice was on a snowy night when I needed a taste of summer. The smell of ginger, garlic, and pineapple sizzling together instantly lifted my mood—and by the time I sat down with a warm bowl, it felt like I had transported myself to a beachside café. Now, it’s a regular in my dinner rotation because it makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly and gives me that “vacation on a plate” feeling, no matter the season.
What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This dish shines on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas:
- Fresh side salad: A crisp cucumber or cabbage slaw adds extra crunch.
- Tropical drinks: Sparkling pineapple water or even a light sangria makes it fun.
- Extra carbs: Garlic naan or Hawaiian rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Light dessert: Fresh mango slices or coconut pudding to keep the tropical vibe going.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in a splash of broth or water to revive the rice.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a little broth.
Pro tip: Add fresh pineapple or green onions after reheating to bring back that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas. It’s still a hearty, flavorful dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
Absolutely, but increase cooking time to about 40 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
Is canned pineapple okay?
Definitely. Just drain it well and avoid the syrup version to keep it from being too sweet.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. Make a big batch and portion it into containers for ready-to-go meals.
Some recipes simply feed your belly, but Pineapple Chicken and Rice feeds your soul. It’s the kind of sweet and savory chicken dish that feels like comfort food dressed in a Hawaiian shirt—playful, bright, and oh-so-satisfying. The next time you need dinner to taste like sunshine, let this tropical chicken recipe be your answer.
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Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings tropical sunshine straight to your table. Juicy chicken, caramelised pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice cook together in one skillet for a sweet-and-savoury meal that feels like comfort food with a vacation twist. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want a dish that tastes as bright as it looks.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
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1 cup pineapple, cubed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 cup jasmine rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp grated ginger
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼ cup green onions, sliced
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1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked (165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add pineapple and cook 2 minutes to caramelize.
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Stir in jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
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Return chicken to skillet, stir well, and heat through.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned (in juice, not syrup) is a convenient alternative.
Jasmine rice adds aroma, but basmati or long-grain also work.
Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil at the end for extra depth.
Snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini can be added for more veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Dinner
- Method: One-skillet stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Tropical Fusion