Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Craving a tropical twist to your dinner routine? My Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one easy, family-friendly meal.

Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a homemade pineapple sauce come together in just under an hour—perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.

Whether you’re after a simple dinner idea or a dish that impresses, this one delivers both flavor and comfort.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken and Rice

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
• 1 cup white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained — reserve the juice for the sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pineapple Sauce

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

For Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking this pineapple chicken and rice dish much more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To sear the chicken and combine all the components.
2. Medium Saucepan: For making the pineapple sauce.
3. Rice Cooker or Saucepan: Use either method to cook fluffy rice to perfection.
4. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for slicing the cooked chicken.
5. Mixing Bowls: For prepping ingredients and mixing the sauce slurry.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for balanced flavors.
7. Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the chicken evenly during cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s bring all those amazing ingredients together! This dish comes together easily in four simple stages: prepping the chicken, cooking the rice, making the pineapple sauce, and bringing it all together.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, I season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, pepper, and a little red pepper flakes for heat (if I’m in the mood for a little spice).

In a large skillet over medium heat, I drizzle in the olive oil and let it heat up. Then I sear the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden color on the outside. Once done, I set the chicken aside on a plate and loosely cover it to keep it warm.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, I prepare the rice. If I’m using white rice, I follow the package instructions—usually 1 part rice to 2 parts water. You can use a rice cooker or a pot; both work well. Brown rice takes a bit longer but adds a lovely nutty texture. Once cooked, I fluff the rice with a fork and keep it covered to stay warm.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Sauce

Now, let’s build that sweet and savory pineapple glaze! In a saucepan, I combine the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. I bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl, I mix the cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is bubbling, I slowly whisk in the slurry and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The aroma at this point is irresistible.

Bringing It All Together

With the chicken cooked, the rice fluffy, and the sauce rich and glossy, it’s time to bring everything together for the final, flavorful step.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pineapple & Sauce

I start by slicing the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized chunks—whichever works best for serving. Then, I return the chicken to the skillet over low heat and toss in the drained pineapple chunks.

Next, I pour the warm pineapple sauce over the chicken and pineapple, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. I let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors really soak into the chicken and pineapple. The combination of the sweet pineapple and savory soy-based sauce is mouthwatering.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Now comes the best part—plating! I spoon a generous serving of rice onto each plate or into bowls, then top it with a hearty portion of the pineapple chicken mixture.

For an extra layer of freshness and color, I love garnishing the dish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Not only does it look vibrant, but it adds a pop of flavor that balances the sweet-savory sauce beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have leftovers (and you just might, because this recipe makes a hearty batch), you’ll want to store them properly to enjoy the next day. I let everything cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Just be sure to store the rice and chicken together with the sauce so the flavors continue to develop.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, I recommend using the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice to a skillet and warm over medium heat until everything is heated through. You can also microwave it for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, but be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent drying out.

If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, adding a little water during reheating helps bring it back to life.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of tang from the pineapple sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a few days, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Plus, it’s super versatile. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs, use brown rice instead of white, or even toss in some sautéed bell peppers for extra crunch and color. However you spin it, this recipe delivers.

So the next time you’re craving a tropical twist, give this Pineapple Chicken and Rice a try—you won’t regret it.