If you are searching for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting all in one bowl, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with bright and juicy pineapple chunks, all coated in a luscious sauce that’s both tangy and a little bit sticky. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this recipe delivers satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to making this dish sing. Each one brings its own unique twist, from the juicy pineapple’s sweetness to the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a beautifully balanced meal.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained): The star ingredient that brings delightful sweetness and a tropical flair.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a gentle pungency that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami depth while keeping sodium levels in check.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy and savory elements.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A little acidity to brighten up the whole dish and cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to every piece of chicken.
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice: The perfect fluffy base that soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Adds fresh crunch and a mild onion bite as a finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): For a subtle nuttiness and a lovely visual boost.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This initial sear locks in juices, making your chicken tender and flavorful. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, it will join back in soon!
Step 2: Sauté Bell Pepper and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers have softened just enough to release their sweet aroma but still hold a bit of crispness. This step builds the foundation of flavor, thanks to the caramelization from the pan and the punch from fresh garlic.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce Ingredients
Next, add your juicy pineapple chunks right into the skillet along with the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination melds sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the chicken and bell pepper.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Thicken Sauce
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and fruit. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely, coating each piece of chicken with a shiny, luscious glaze that’s just begging to be spooned over rice.
Step 5: Serve Over Steamed Rice
Finally, serve the pineapple chicken hot over fluffy jasmine rice. This step turns everything into a satisfying, wholesome meal where the rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, creating a perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh, sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dish. For a little extra texture and visual appeal, a handful of toasted sesame seeds gives that lovely nutty pop that feels so special.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe stands strong on its own, but if you want to amp up your meal, consider serving it alongside lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas. Their crispness and vibrant green color make the plate even more inviting while adding nutritional balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pineapple chicken in hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does it make your dinner look festive and exotic, but it also keeps the tropical theme going strong. Alternatively, layer this dish in a bowl and top it with crushed tortilla chips for an unexpected crunchy surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your pineapple chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
This dish is also freezer-friendly. Just make sure the pineapple chicken and rice are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftover pineapple chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. To keep them juicy, sauté just until cooked through and avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when cooking the bell peppers and garlic to give your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe an exciting kick.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with the tropical flavors, but white rice or even brown rice can be used depending on your preference and nutritional goals.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can dice the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time. Even cooking the chicken ahead and quickly reheating it when ready to combine saves precious time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe effortlessly combines vibrant flavors, ease of preparation, and nourishing ingredients that make it a true weeknight winner. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to share again and again, whether for family dinners or impressing friends. Get ready to make this one of your all-time favorites—comfort food with a tropical twist that always hits the spot.
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked with sweet pineapple chunks, vibrant red bell pepper, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy stovetop dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal Asian-inspired main course for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Grains
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add pineapple and sauce ingredients: Stir in the pineapple chunks, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine chicken and thicken sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the pineapple sauce. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken over hot cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if preferred.
- For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, substitute white rice with brown rice.
