Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice – A Tropical Delight

Name: Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 1 ripe pineapple, diced; 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), chopped; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked); 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tsp garlic powder

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

February 3, 2026

Updated:

February 3, 2026

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There’s something magical about the combination of pineapple, chicken, and rice that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Imagine succulent, tender chicken bathed in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, served over fluffy rice that soaks up all those delicious flavors. It’s like a tropical vacation for your mouth—no sunscreen required!

This pineapple chicken and rice dish brings back memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings where laughter echoed around the dinner table. Picture the vibrant colors of the dish, reminiscent of a sunset, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this recipe promises to elevate any meal into a flavorful fiesta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make pineapple chicken and rice dish combines sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony

It’s visually stunning with its bright colors and enticing aromas
Ideal for busy weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions

Your friends will be begging for seconds!

I once made this recipe for my family reunion, and let me tell you—the looks on their faces when they took that first bite were priceless!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many guests are coming.
Fresh Pineapple: Choose ripe pineapples for maximum sweetness; they should smell fragrant at the base.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for visual appeal and crunch; red or yellow work best.

Green Onions: These add freshness; slice them thinly for an attractive garnish.
Rice: I prefer jasmine rice for its aroma, but any long-grain variety will do just fine.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

Pineapple Juice: Fresh juice is ideal for brightness; avoid canned juice if possible.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Either will enhance sweetness; use honey for a more complex flavor.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare your kitchen because we’re about to whip up some magic!

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces while your rice cooks according to package instructions—fluffy rice is key here!

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the chicken pieces until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes—and enjoy that sizzling sound.

Add the Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers and green onions once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté until they soften slightly—around 3-4 minutes—releasing those fresh aromas.

Create the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour this heavenly concoction over your chicken mixture in the skillet.

Add Pineapple and Simmer: Stir in those juicy pineapple chunks and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes—this allows flavors to mingle beautifully.

Combine Rice with Chicken Mixture: Finally, fold in your cooked rice gently into the skillet. Let it all warm through while stirring occasionally—about 3-4 minutes until heated evenly.

And voilà! You’ve just whipped up a tropical masterpiece right in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite as you relish the blend of flavors reminiscent of sunny days spent lounging by the beach.

You Must Know

This pineapple chicken and rice dish combines sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
The aroma of pineapple mingling with garlic and ginger fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table
It’s an easy one-pan meal that delivers big on taste

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then cook the rice while preparing the pineapple sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time and keeps your chicken juicy.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Experiment with spices like cumin or coriander to elevate the flavor profile of your pineapple chicken and rice.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore texture without drying out the dish.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of soy sauce and pineapple juice
Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness for perfect tenderness
Use fresh pineapple when possible for maximum sweetness and juiciness

Sharing this recipe always reminds me of my niece’s birthday party where everyone devoured it in minutes! They still ask me to make it whenever we gather, creating sweet memories along with delicious meals.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just increase cooking time by about 10-15 minutes for brown rice.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Pineapple chicken and rice stores well and tastes great reheated.

What can I substitute for pineapple?

Mango or peaches can work well as substitutes if you’re feeling adventurous!

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