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· 4.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, quick dinner that effortlessly blends sweet and savory, the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe just might steal your heart (and taste buds). This colorful dish pairs juicy chicken with bursts of tangy pineapple and crunchy bell peppers, all tossed together in a glossy, addictive sauce over fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a busy weeknight or looking to wow friends at a dinner gathering, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss. Bonus: it’s totally customizable and comes together in just 30 minutes!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the simplicity! Each ingredient in this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe works double-time to add distinct layers of taste, beautiful pops of color, and irresistible texture. You probably have most of these kitchen staples already on hand—no fancy or hard-to-find items required!

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean flavor; chicken thighs work just as well for richer results.
Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil ensures your chicken gets a beautiful, light sear without sticking.
Salt & black pepper: The foundation of balanced seasoning, be sure to taste and adjust as needed throughout.
Red bell pepper: Diced bell pepper adds crisp texture, sweetness, and a lovely shot of color.
Pineapple chunks: Use fresh or canned (just drain if using canned!) for bursts of juiciness and tropical flair.
Pineapple juice: This infuses the sauce with bright, tangy notes and natural sweetness—save the juice from your canned pineapple if that’s what you’re using!
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami and depth without making the dish too salty.
Honey: A drizzle of honey mellows the sauce, balancing tangy and salty flavors.
Rice vinegar: Essential for a gentle acidity that keeps the sauce lively.
Garlic & ginger: Fresh garlic and grated ginger bring that crave-worthy, aromatic bite.
Cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water thickens the sauce to glossy, takeout-style perfection.
Cooked white or jasmine rice: Serve as a fluffy, cozy bed to soak up the vibrant sauce.
Green onions (optional): Sprinkle these for an extra pop of freshness and color at the end.
Sesame seeds (optional): Just a pinch adds subtle nutty crunch and a photogenic finish!

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then cook them in the hot skillet, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes—just enough for the chicken to develop that flavor-building golden crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and keep it warm; don’t worry if there’s some flavorful browned bits left in the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), toss in the diced red bell pepper. Those caramelized spots left from the chicken will give your peppers an extra boost of savory flavor. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until the bell peppers begin to soften but still hold their color and crunch. This contrast in texture is part of what makes the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe so addictively satisfying.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Now, whisk up a quick sauce: in a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this aromatic blend into the skillet along with the peppers and let it simmer gently. After a minute or two, stir in your cornstarch slurry—a simple combo of cornstarch and water—which will transform the simmering sauce into a glossy, velvety coating that clings to every bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken to the pan and add the pineapple chunks. Give everything a gentle toss so the sauce floods every nook and cranny. Simmer for a couple more minutes—just until the chicken is reheated and the pineapple is warmed through, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the finished pineapple chicken mixture generously over beds of hot, fluffy rice. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for a finishing touch that takes this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A smart sprinkle of chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds don’t just make your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe look gorgeous—they add freshness, gentle oniony zing, and delicate crunch. For extra flair, you can even add chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime, or a light drizzle of sriracha for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with simple sides like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad. A cooling bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup also pairs beautifully, making your takeout-inspired night at home truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming for wow factor, try serving your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical restaurant-style presentation. Mason jar lunches or bento boxes also make it picnic-perfect, while arranging it family-style on a big platter with all the toppings invites everyone to dig in and customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps surprisingly well! Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken mixture in separate containers if you want to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze—just pack the chicken and sauce (without the rice, if possible) into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Lay flat and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’ve already mixed with rice, it will still freeze, but the texture of the rice may soften a bit.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the chicken and sauce mixture into a skillet with a splash of water or pineapple juice, and warm over medium heat until hot. For the rice, reheat separately in the microwave or on the stovetop for the fluffiest results. Assemble and top with fresh garnishes just before serving for the brightest taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and deep flavor, making the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe even more succulent. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

What’s the best way to prep this in advance?

Chop all chicken, peppers, and pineapple ahead of time, and even whisk the sauce together in the morning. Store everything separately in the fridge. When dinner time rolls around, just cook and combine—the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe will be ready in a flash!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check labels on other ingredients if necessary, and you’ll have a gluten-free Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe everyone can enjoy.

What can I use instead of rice?

For a lighter option, try serving the dish over cauliflower rice or cooked quinoa. The sweet and savory flavors play just as nicely with different grain bases, or even over a bed of fresh greens for a hearty salad twist.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely—substitute firm tofu or tempeh in place of chicken, and skip the marinade step. Sear your tofu cubes until golden, then follow the rest of the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe just the same for a plant-based delight.

Final Thoughts

Busy weeknights or special weekend meals, the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe brings a little sweet sunshine to your table every time. With its quick prep, crowd-pleasing flavors, and bright, beautiful finish, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and give this delicious recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!