Picture this: It’s been a long day, you’re craving something warm, comforting, and just a little bit adventurous. That’s where this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe swoops in like a tropical vacation on a plate.
This dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice—imagine juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky, flavorful sauce all soaking into fluffy rice.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of pineapple and chicken together, you’re seriously missing out. The natural sweetness of pineapple cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavors.
Best of all? It’s ridiculously easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This dish is a total lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you need something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal bursting with bold flavors—sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and a hint of spice that keeps every bite exciting.
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s meal prep-friendly! Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ve got delicious lunches ready to go. And let’s talk about versatility—whether you want to make it gluten-free, amp up the heat, or swap in tofu for a vegetarian twist, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever you’re craving.
If you haven’t tried pineapple and chicken together before, now’s your chance to see what the hype is about. Trust me, once you do, you’ll be hooked!
Pro Tips & Variations
- For Extra Crispiness: Use chicken thighs and sear them undisturbed for a crispy golden crust.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh—just pan-fry until crispy before adding the sauce.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add more sriracha or toss in some red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Side Dish Ideas: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli.
- Drinks: A refreshing pineapple mojito or a chilled glass of white wine (Riesling is perfect!).
- Dessert: End with a tropical mango sorbet for a light, refreshing finish.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Microplane grater (for the ginger—trust me, it makes a difference!)
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice from can or fresh
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup for a subtle tang
- 1 tsp sriracha optional, for heat
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
For the Rice & Garnish:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup bell peppers diced
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it sit while you prep everything else—this quick marinade makes the chicken super tender and flavorful.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pineapple, bell peppers, soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sriracha. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Enjoy!: Spoon the pineapple chicken over warm jasmine rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and dig in!
If you love bold, well-balanced flavors, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner guest, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it out, tweak it to your liking, and most importantly—enjoy every bite!
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how you made it your own! Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your delicious creations.
