Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
A delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple soy sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy cooked rice. This skillet dish balances savory and fruity flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Chicken & Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you’re watching salt)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice (canned is fine)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
The Rest
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine—your choice)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, extra green onions, crushed red pepper
- Cook the Chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Combine Everything. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Fold in the cooked rice and stir to warm through, blending all flavors together.
- Finish & Serve. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional extras like crushed red pepper or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this sweet-savory pineapple chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if needed.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Fresh pineapple chunks add brightness, but canned drained pineapple works fine.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a topping.
- Use any type of cooked rice—white, brown, or jasmine—to suit your preference.
- To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning.
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, stir fry, skillet meal, easy weeknight recipe