Name: The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned); ½ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional); sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that hits every craving—sweet, savory, juicy, and just a little tangy—look no further than The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. This Asian-inspired dish brings together golden bites of chicken, crisp red bell peppers, and irresistible chunks of pineapple all tossed in a glossy, flavor-packed sauce and served over fluffy white rice. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, both for its quick prep and impressively delicious results.

The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is hand-picked for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Simplicity is the secret: from the juicy chicken to that pop of pineapple, each addition pulls its weight, creating the vibrant taste, beautiful color, and satisfying texture that sets The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe apart.

Chicken breasts: Tender, quick-cooking, and soak up all the sauce flavors perfectly—if you prefer, chicken thighs work too!
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a lovely sear and a subtle hint of richness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the natural flavors of the chicken.
Red bell pepper: Adds crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness for visual and flavor contrast.
Pineapple chunks: The star ingredient—fresh is wonderful, but well-drained canned pineapple works in a pinch.
Pineapple juice: Amplifies the pineapple flavor in the sauce and naturally sweetens the whole dish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a depth of savory, umami flavor without being too salty.
Honey: Balances tang and saltiness with just the right amount of natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Cuts through richness and brightens the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a little punch and warmth.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds another layer of freshness and zip.
Cornstarch (with water): Whisked into a slurry to thicken the sauce until it’s silky and coats every bite.
Cooked white or jasmine rice: The cozy, fluffy foundation for all those delicious toppings.
Green onions: Optional, but they’re a lovely fresh garnish with a mild oniony crunch.
Sesame seeds: Also optional, but they finish the dish with a nutty aroma and great visual flair.

How to Make The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start this adventure by getting your skillet nice and hot, then add the olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Let them sizzle until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through—this locking-in step guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and keep it warm, because it’ll be back in the pan soon.

Step 2: Cook the Bell Peppers

In the same skillet, add your diced red bell pepper. Sauté them just until they start to soften. This short sizzle keeps them crisp-tender, adding color and sweet bite to The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

While the peppers are working their magic, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Pour this luscious mixture over your peppers in the skillet. As it comes to a simmer, you’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell as amazing as your favorite take-out spot.

Step 4: Thicken and Simmer

Stir up your cornstarch slurry (that’s just cornstarch mixed with water) and add it to the simmering sauce. In minutes, it’ll go from runny to glossy and thick, ideal for coating your chicken and pineapple pieces. The anticipation builds as everything begins to come together!

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Pop your cooked chicken back into the pan, toss in those pineapple chunks, and stir well. Let everything simmer together for another two to three minutes, so the flavors can mingle. You’ll see the sauce clinging to every piece, creating that signature sticky-sweet finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon everything generously over steamed rice. Now for the best part: add a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds if you love extra color and crunch. That first forkful? Pure, total bliss.

How to Serve The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just decoration—their fresh flavor and nutty bite finish each serving with lively flair. A few cilantro sprigs or a squeeze of lime can add another layer of brightness, making The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this main dish with quick-steamed veggies (like broccoli or snap peas), an Asian slaw, or even crispy spring rolls. The goal is to keep things light and crunchy for contrast, while letting the star flavors of pineapple chicken shine through.

Creative Ways to Present

Want a little drama at the dinner table? Serve the pineapple chicken right in a hollowed-out half pineapple shell! It’s show-stopping and evokes a tropical vibe. Or, pile the chicken and sauce over coconut rice for an extra hint of island sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers of The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a brilliant choice for meal-prep lunches or a quick next-day dinner.

Freezing

Although rice can sometimes change texture after freezing, the chicken and pineapple mixture resists getting mushy. To freeze, keep the rice and chicken mixture in separate containers and use within two months for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if needed to loosen up the sauce. This will bring back that glorious glossy finish and keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderful in this recipe because of their juiciness and bold flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps as you would for chicken breasts in The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check the other ingredients, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe everyone can enjoy.

What vegetables can I add for more color or nutrition?

Feel free to toss in snow peas, snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn along with the bell peppers. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces so everything cooks quickly and evenly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the sauce and cut up the chicken and pineapple up to a day ahead. When ready to eat, finish cooking everything in the skillet. The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is a lifesaver for busy schedules.

Is fresh or canned pineapple better for this dish?

Both work beautifully! Fresh pineapple gives the dish a bit more bite and tanginess, while good-quality canned pineapple (drained well) keeps things speedy and convenient. Use whichever you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

Invite some sweet-savory sunshine onto your dinner table this week and give The Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. It’s quick, bursting with flavor, and loved by adults and kids alike. Whether you’re sharing it with family or impressing friends, this recipe is a sure-fire favorite—so grab your skillet and let the magic happen!