Name: 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· 4.8 from 11 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe – a show-stopping meal that brings a burst of sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes! Tender bites of chicken mingle with juicy pineapple and crisp bell peppers, all coated in a stunning glossy sauce that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty, then served atop a snowy bed of perfectly cooked rice. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again when you need something both easy and seriously impressive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each thoughtfully chosen ingredient plays a distinct role, making the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe pop with color, flavor, and freshness. Every piece, from the juicy chicken to the tangy pineapple and the aromatic sauce, helps create magic with minimal fuss.

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts provides quick-cooking, tender protein that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Olive oil: A light sear in olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds a whisper of richness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient without overwhelming the dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds colorful crunch, balancing the sweetness and creating a beautiful plate.
Pineapple chunks: Juicy and fragrant, pineapple brings both sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
Pineapple juice: Intensifies the pineapple flavor and gives the sauce its tangy backbone.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without making the dish too salty.
Honey: Rounds out the sauce’s flavor while balancing its tang and saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle, bright acidity for that extra layer of freshness.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic provides savory undertones and aromatic warmth.
Fresh ginger: Just a bit of grated ginger wakes up the whole dish with mild spice and complexity.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to glossy perfection, ensuring it clings beautifully to every bite.
Cooked white or jasmine rice: A fluffy, neutral base that soaks up every drop of flavor.
Chopped green onions (optional): Sprinkling these on top adds freshness and a touch of color.
Sesame seeds (optional): For that satisfying crunch and a little extra flair on your finished plate!

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan gets hot, season your chicken pieces with the salt and black pepper—this ensures every bite is well-seasoned from the start. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, and cook until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through, usually about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally for an even sear, and once done, set the chicken aside on a plate. This step locks in the juices and sets the foundation for the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

With the chicken set aside, pop the diced red bell pepper into the same skillet (don’t wipe out those tasty browned bits!). Sauté the peppers for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain a bit of crunch. The gentle sweetness and vivid color from the bell pepper add so much to the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe’s taste and appearance.

Step 3: Whisk and Simmer the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Pour this aromatic blend into the skillet with your sautéed peppers, making sure to scrape up the flavorful fond on the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer—it’ll start to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix your cornstarch and water to create a quick slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring as the sauce bubbles away—within just a minute or two, you’ll see it transform from thin and watery to lusciously thick and glossy. This step is what ensures every ingredient gets coated in that tangy, sweet, and umami-loaded sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pineapple

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and tip in your pineapple chunks. Toss everything together, letting the flavors meld for 1-2 minutes. The pineapple warms through, the chicken reheats to juicy perfection, and the entire skillet becomes a rainbow of deliciousness. This is when the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe truly comes together—just give it a gentle stir and get ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the glossy, savory-sweet chicken and pineapple mixture over steaming bowls of white or jasmine rice. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like a little extra crunch and color. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

To really make your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe pop, top each serving with a bright sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes not only elevate the look but deliver the perfect finishing touches of mild onion flavor and irresistible crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe with refreshingly light sides like a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to balance the meal. For a bit of extra flair, serve with crispy spring rolls or a small bowl of miso soup—which all play beautifully with the dish’s sweet-savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your family or dinner guests? Hollow out a pineapple half and spoon the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe right inside for a brilliant tropical presentation. Or, serve on a big family-style platter topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an inviting, shareable spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors will continue to meld as they rest, making for a delicious next-day meal. It will keep well for up to three days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe! Store the chicken and sauce mixture separately from the rice in freezer-safe containers. When sealed tightly, it will keep its fresh taste and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers on medium heat until warmed through, stirring halfway for even heating. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. This helps the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe stay moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a tasty, juicy alternative to breasts and work perfectly in the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time as needed for even results.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?

Definitely. Swap the low-sodium soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and double-check all labels to ensure gluten sneaks in nowhere else. Every other ingredient for the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten free!

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, both fresh and canned pineapple work beautifully. If you’re using canned, be sure to drain it well to keep your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe from getting watery. The flavor will still be tropical and sweet!

What can I use instead of rice?

This recipe is versatile. You can try brown rice for extra fiber, or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Even noodles or quinoa make a fun base for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe if you want to mix things up!

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, add a tad more cornstarch slurry (start with an extra teaspoon). If you prefer a looser sauce for your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe, just whisk in a splash of water or pineapple juice at the end until it’s your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering loved ones around a dish you know will delight everyone—and the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe never disappoints. Give it a try and let those bright flavors spark some weeknight joy in your kitchen. You might just find it becomes a new family favorite!