Name: Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or thighs if preferred); 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice); 1 ½ cups jasmine rice (or white rice); 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup soy sauce; 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger; Salt & pepper to taste; Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro

I love the tropical blend of sweet pineapple and seasoned chicken served over tender rice — it’s a one‑pan meal that’s refreshing yet comforting, perfect for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it delivers a balanced combination of flavors and textures in just one skillet. The pineapple adds a bright sweetness that plays beautifully with savory ginger and garlic, while cooking everything together means the rice absorbs all those delicious juices. It’s quick, easy, and always leaves me wanting seconds.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or thighs if I want extra juiciness)
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
1 ½ cups jasmine rice (or white rice)
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup soy sauce
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro

directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and nearly done. I set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ginger until fragrant and softened.
I stir in pineapple chunks and cook briefly to release their juices.
I add rice, broth, pineapple juice, and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Then I bring it to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
I return the chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to coat and heat through. I cover for another couple minutes so flavors meld.
I finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro as garnish before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes spice things up by adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
For a creamier twist, I use half coconut milk in place of some broth.
For extra veggies, I toss in snap peas or zucchini mid‑cook.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture. Rice doesn’t freeze well, but the chicken mixture can be frozen separately for up to 2 months; I thaw it overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, I can. It adds nuttiness and fiber but needs extra liquid and about 10 more minutes of cook time.

2. Can I cook this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Certainly—I’d add all ingredients except rice, cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2 hours) in a slow cooker, then stir in rice (freshly cooked) before serving. In an Instant Pot, I’d sauté as usual, then pressure‑cook on rice setting and stir in pineapple at the end.

3. What if I only have canned pineapple in syrup?

I drain and rinse the pineapple, then reduce or skip added sweetener—otherwise it gets too cloying.

4. How can I make this gluten‑free?

I swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and it becomes gluten‑free without losing flavor.

5. Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. I replace chicken with firm tofu or extra veggies, use vegetable broth and tamari, and it’s a tasty plant‑based meal.

Conclusion

I’m always thrilled when I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice—it’s vibrant, satisfying, and fuss‑free. The interplay of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic rice never disappoints. Plus, the easy customizations let me tailor it to my mood or pantry. I know this recipe will quickly become a favorite in my rotation — and hopefully yours too!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice