Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken glazed with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice studded with golden pineapple chunks. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings the essence of tropical cuisine right to your dinner table, combining familiar comfort food with an exciting Hawaiian-inspired twist that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Like our popular Orange Chicken recipe, this dish proves that restaurant-quality Asian-inspired meals can be easily recreated in your own kitchen, often with ingredients you already have on hand.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or someone seeking to expand their culinary horizons without breaking the bank, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it faster than takeout!

What is Pineapple Chicken and Rice?

Ever wondered how such a simple combination of ingredients can create such magic? This beloved dish marries tender chunks of chicken with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple, all enveloped in a glossy sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The sauce-soaked rice beneath soaks up all those delicious flavors, creating the perfect bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken and Rice

First, let’s talk about flavor and texture. The chicken is crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, while the sauce combines sweet pineapple juice with savory soy sauce and a hint of ginger, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats every bite. The slightly caramelized pineapple chunks add bursts of sweetness that complement the savory elements perfectly.

Budget-wise, this dish is a winner. Using simple pantry staples and just one pineapple (or canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available), you can create a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the cost of takeout. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers, stretching your grocery budget even further.

This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can adjust the sweetness, add different vegetables, or spice it up with some chili flakes. Unlike traditional takeout versions that can be overly sweet or greasy, you control exactly what goes into your meal.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Quick Overview

This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The prep is straightforward, and most of the cooking happens in one pan, minimizing cleanup time. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.

Key Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into chunks (or 20 oz canned pineapple chunks)
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes).
2. While the rice cooks, prepare the sauce:

• Combine pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple, reserve the juice), soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl
• In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water

1. Cook the chicken (8-10 minutes):

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Season chicken chunks with salt and pepper
• Cook until golden brown and cooked through
• Remove chicken from pan and set aside

1. Create the sauce (5-7 minutes):

• In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant
• Add pineapple chunks and cook until slightly caramelized
• Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer
• Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened
• Return chicken to pan and coat with sauce

What to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice With

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition
• A crisp Asian slaw for texture contrast
• Coconut-lime mocktails for a truly tropical experience

Top Tips for Perfecting Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken – work in batches if needed
• If using canned pineapple, drain and reserve the juice for the sauce
• For extra flavor, toast the rice in a bit of oil before cooking

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. This dish also makes excellent meal prep – portion into individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

For freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Amazing chicken Recipes

• Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Million Dollar Chicken Bake
• Crock pot chicken enchiladas
• Mississippi Chicken