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Looking for a flavorful and easy one-pan meal? This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in one skillet for a delicious meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Less mess, easy cleanup.
- Sweet & Savory – The perfect combination of flavors.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (or Thighs) | 1 lb | Boneless, skinless, cut into chunks |
| Pineapple Chunks | 1 cup | Fresh or canned (drained) |
| White Rice | 1 cup | Uncooked |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups | Enhances flavor |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp | Adds umami and depth |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | Balances the savory flavors |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Ginger | 1 tsp | Freshly grated |
| Onion | ½ cup | Chopped |
| Bell Pepper | 1 cup | Diced, any color |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For extra richness |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing the chicken |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ½ tsp | Optional, for heat |
| Green Onions | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
| Sesame Seeds | 1 tbsp | Optional, for garnish |
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Add rice, toasting for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey.
- Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Pineapple
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Gently fold in pineapple chunks.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Let everything simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5 Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Use Fresh Pineapple – It caramelizes beautifully and adds natural sweetness.
- Toast the Rice – This enhances its nutty flavor before adding broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy by searing it quickly.
- Adjust the Sweetness – Add more or less honey based on preference.
- Make It Spicy – A dash of Sriracha or chili flakes adds a great kick.
Variations to Try
- Tropical Twist – Add shredded coconut for extra sweetness.
- Teriyaki Style – Swap honey for brown sugar and add extra soy sauce.
- Low-Carb Version – Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer.
What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are extra juicy, but chicken breast works too.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Try This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe Tonight!
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe and happy cooking!