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Pineapple Chicken Rice

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Fast one-pan dish with chicken and pineapple in 45 minutes. Sweet, savory, and versatile with many veggie options. Perfect for quick family dinners.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:28:18 GMT
Chicken with pineapple and rice combo Highlight
Chicken with pineapple and rice combo | cookwithcarla.com
This sunny mix of tangy and rich tastes, my Pineapple Chicken and Rice adds island vibes to your evening meal. Soft chicken pieces, ripe pineapple chunks, and light, airy rice work together for a well-rounded dish that feels both homey and fresh. Every mouthful offers a dance of textures and flavors that whisk you away to a beachy getaway. The first time I threw pineapple into my usual chicken and rice, I couldn't believe the difference. That touch of tropical sweetness turned an everyday meal into something really special.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Rice: Jasmine rice brings flowery hints that boost the tropical theme Pineapple: Go with fresh for the best pop of flavor and texture Chicken: Pick boneless thighs or breasts cut the same size so they cook evenly Soy Sauce: Gives deep flavor and cuts through the pineapple sweetness Bell Peppers: Use different colors for a pretty look and sweet taste Ginger: A bit of fresh ginger adds warmth and depth

Crafting Your Island Dish

Build The Base Cook aromatics until they smell amazing and turn golden. Season The Chicken Give it a quick bath in Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect The Rice Wash it well and cook until it's soft and fluffy. Finish With Style Top with fresh herbs and toasted seeds. Combine Elements Mix everything carefully to blend the flavors just right.
Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice Highlight
Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice | cookwithcarla.com
My grandma always told me 'hot wok, cold oil' was the trick to great stir-fries - it helps get the chicken nice and brown outside while keeping it juicy inside.

Complete Your Dinner

Make this meal extra special with some crunchy egg rolls, cool cucumber salad, or quick-cooked baby bok choy on the side. For fancy dinners, try serving it inside a scooped-out pineapple half.

Tasty Twists

Make the dish your own by tossing in some crunchy cashews, stirring in creamy coconut milk, or adding aromatic Thai basil leaves. Want something lighter? Try using cauliflower rice instead.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for about three days. When warming up, add a little splash of water to keep everything moist and stop the rice from drying out.
After trying this recipe loads of times in my kitchen, I've found that getting the sweet and savory parts just right makes all the difference. When you give each ingredient the attention it needs, this simple meal turns into something really amazing.
Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Highlight
Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh pineapple?
Sure! Chop up 2 cups of fresh pineapple plus save 1/2 cup juice if possible. Canned is just easier to use.
→ What's the best rice to use?
You can't go wrong with jasmine or basmati rice for great flavor. Long-grain is fine, but brown rice takes extra time to cook.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Toss in peas, carrots, or snap peas. Add tougher vegetables earlier so they cook through.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Pop everything into an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. Or freeze it up to 3 months without any problem.
→ Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Sprinkle on red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. The spice works so well with the pineapple's sweetness.

Chicken Rice Pineapple

A tropical one-pan meal with juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and fluffy rice. Great for quick weeknight dinners full of flavor.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion with Asian Flavors

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
02 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, save the juice and drain the rest
03 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil
04 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small cubes

→ Flavor and Sauce

05 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
06 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
07 1 teaspoon grated ginger or powdered ginger
08 1 clove garlic, finely minced
09 2 tablespoons of honey or any sweetener

→ Veggies and Toppings

10 1/4 cup sliced green onion
11 1 chopped red bell pepper
12 Add cilantro leaves for extra flavor on top
13 Salt and pepper for adjusting flavor

Steps

Step 01

Warm up the oil in a big pan over medium heat. Toss in the chicken and cook it until all sides are browned and it's fully cooked, roughly 6-7 minutes. Put it aside for later.

Step 02

Using the same pan, throw in the red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir them for about 2-3 minutes, just until the aroma hits and the pepper softens a little.

Step 03

Into the pan, pour in the reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and uncooked rice. Stir it all up, let it reach a boil, then lower the heat, cover it up, and let it simmer for around 15-18 minutes until the rice is perfectly cooked.

Step 04

Fold in your browned chicken and pineapple chunks into the pan of cooked rice. Heat everything through for around 2-3 more minutes.

Step 05

Give it a taste and sprinkle on some salt and pepper if you want. Finish by topping it with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

Notes

  1. You can use fresh pineapple or canned, both work perfectly!
  2. Swap in other veggies you like to change things up.
  3. Make it ahead and store it—it reheats great and can be frozen too.

Required Equipment

  • Large pan or skillet with a lid
  • Knife for chopping
  • Cutting board to prepare ingredients
  • Spoons and cups for measuring

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Soy is included because of the soy sauce