Skip to Content

Pineapple Chicken Rice

0 Comments

This Pineapple Chicken Rice is a sweet, savory, and tropical-inspired dish made with juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice. It’s a quick, one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, ready in 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, all-in-one dinner.
✔️ Sweet & Savory – A delicious blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and spices.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes!
✔️ Customizable – Add veggies or swap proteins.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for freshness)
  • ½ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season diced chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks and sauté for 2 minutes, until slightly caramelized.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Sriracha.
  3. Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 minutes, until sauce thickens.

Step 3: Combine Everything

  1. Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
  2. Stir in cooked rice and mix until everything is well coated.
  3. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness (optional).

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy your Pineapple Chicken Rice!

Serving Suggestions

🥦 Pair with steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies.
🌶️ Make it spicy with extra Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
🍍 Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun presentation!

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
  • Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes! Drain canned pineapple and use pineapple juice from the can for the sauce.

2. Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side and follow the same steps.

3. What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.

4. Can I add more veggies?

Yes! Try adding bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or onions.

5. How can I make this lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken Rice is a sweet, savory, and satisfying meal that’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether for meal prep, a family dinner, or a tropical-themed meal, this dish is a guaranteed hit!

🍍🍗🍚 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😊