Looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting? This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice — all in one pan. It’s a quick, wholesome dinner that feels like a tropical getaway, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Packed with flavor and made with everyday ingredients, this dish balances savory and sweet beautifully. Plus, it’s free of alcohol and pork, making it a family-friendly option that suits a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your whole crew, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This isn’t your average chicken and rice dinner. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- One Pan = Easy Clean-Up: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Sweet Meets Savory: The combo of tangy pineapple and seasoned chicken is irresistible.
- Customizable: Swap the rice, add veggies, or turn up the heat — make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors and a touch of sweetness make it a hit with all ages.
In short, it’s a balanced, feel-good meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
What You’ll Need
Before you dive into cooking, let’s make sure you have everything ready to go. This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients — no fancy shopping trip required. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Pineapple Chunks – 1 ½ cups (fresh or canned in 100% juice; drain well if using canned).
- Cooked White Rice – 3 cups (day-old rice works best for texture).
- Bell Pepper – 1 large, diced (any color; red or yellow for sweetness).
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
- Onion – 1 medium, diced.
Sauce Ingredients
- Soy Sauce – ¼ cup (low-sodium preferred).
- Pineapple Juice – ½ cup (reserved from the canned pineapple or freshly squeezed).
- Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons.
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (to thicken the sauce).
- Water – 2 tablespoons (to mix with cornstarch).
- Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon (for added flavor, optional but recommended).
For Cooking
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons (or any neutral cooking oil).
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – Optional, for garnish.
Make sure everything is prepped and chopped before you start cooking — it’ll make the process quicker and smoother.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This recipe comes together quickly, especially if you have cooked rice ready. Here’s how to make it from start to finish:
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (mixed separately first, then added to the sauce)
Set aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the diced chicken (1.5 lbs), season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan:
- Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Pineapple & Chicken Back In
- Toss in 1 ½ cups of pineapple chunks.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Stir well to combine everything.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce & Simmer
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Add the Rice
- Add 3 cups of cooked white rice to the skillet.
- Gently fold it in, making sure it absorbs the sauce and mixes evenly with the chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot, and enjoy a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite!
You Must Know
Before you start cooking, here are key tips to keep in mind:
- Day-old rice works best. It’s firmer and won’t turn mushy.
- Drain canned pineapple well. Extra juice can dilute your sauce.
- Mix cornstarch with water first. This keeps your sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Season as you go. Layering flavors gives a richer, deeper taste.
- Control the heat. Too high and the sugar can burn; medium-high is ideal.
These quick tips ensure your pineapple chicken comes out flavorful, not soggy or bland.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Want to take your dish from good to great? Here’s how:
- Prep everything first. This dish moves fast, so be ready.
- Brown the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for the best sear.
- Sear the pineapple. Let it caramelize a bit for extra flavor.
- Add rice last. This keeps it from getting soggy and lets it soak up the sauce.
- Finish with garnish. Green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and a fresh pop.
Master these steps, and every bite will be packed with flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
This recipe is super versatile — here’s how you can make it your own:
- Add heat: Toss in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- More veggies: Mix in snap peas, broccoli, shredded carrots, or baby corn for added crunch and color.
- Try different rice: Brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice all work well.
- Go tropical: Add a splash of orange juice or toss in mango chunks for an extra fruity vibe.
- Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a more glazed, sticky dish.
Feel free to experiment — this dish is flexible and always delicious with a personal twist.
Storing & Reheating
This pineapple chicken and rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
To Store:
You can’t miss this crowd-pleasing recipe
- Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
- On the stovetop, reheat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to revive the sauce.
Freezing Tip:
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, but for best texture, store the rice and chicken separately if possible.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Want to make this dish foolproof? These chef-approved tips will help you nail it every time:
Pair it with one of our favorite side dishes
- Cut ingredients evenly. Uniform chicken and veggie sizes ensure even cooking.
- Marinate briefly (optional). For extra flavor, toss the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and pineapple juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t skip the sear. Browning adds depth—just a couple minutes makes a big difference.
- Keep it moving. Stir regularly while cooking to avoid sticking and to coat everything in that tasty sauce.
- Taste before serving. A quick taste test lets you adjust seasoning—add a pinch of salt or splash of soy sauce if needed.
With these simple techniques, your dish will have better texture, richer flavor, and a polished finish every time.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking for the best texture.
Try this next if you love easy comfort food
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Just be sure to press tofu before cooking for a firm texture.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
Orange juice works well as a substitute, offering a similar sweet-acidic flavor.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes — in fact, it’s preferred! Cold, day-old rice holds its shape and absorbs sauce better.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments — we’re here to help!
Conclusion
There you have it — your new favorite weeknight dinner: Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor, all while staying simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or just trying something new, this dish is guaranteed to deliver.
With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and a little tropical flair, you can bring bold flavor and comfort to your table without any hassle. Plus, with the helpful tips and variations we’ve shared, you can make it your own — spicier, tangier, or loaded with veggies.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your version on social media and tag us. We love seeing your kitchen creations.
Ready to cook? Grab your ingredients and bring this pineapple chicken to life — your taste buds will thank you!
Quick & Easy Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan dinner! This sweet and savory pineapple chicken dish combines juicy chicken, tender rice, and tropical pineapple for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
3 cups cooked white rice
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: sesame oil, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
Add pineapple chunks and sear lightly.
Return chicken to pan. Pour in sauce and simmer until thickened.
Stir in cooked rice, mix well, and heat through.
Garnish and serve warm!
Notes
- Day-old rice gives better texture.
Use fresh pineapple for more natural sweetness.
Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian option