There’s something about chicken and pineapple together that works. The sweetness of the pineapple mixed with the savory, slightly sticky sauce and tender chicken makes this one of my favorite quick and easy weeknight dinners.
I started making this recipe while looking for a way to add more flavor to basic chicken and rice. I wanted something that had that takeout-style taste but was still simple and easy to make at home. I tried a few versions, and after tweaking the sauce and adding the right amount of garlic, soy sauce, and honey, I finally landed on a recipe that I love.
Now, whenever I want a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice is my go-to. It’s sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a dish that even picky eaters love, so it’s a win-win!
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 30mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first came across the idea for pineapple chicken when I had some leftover canned pineapple and didn’t want to waste it. I figured it would go great in a stir-fry, so I experimented with different sauces and seasonings until I found the perfect balance of flavors.
After a few tries, I ended up with this sweet, sticky, and slightly tangy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Paired with fluffy rice, it’s now one of my favorite one-pan meals.
Over the years, I’ve made small tweaks—sometimes using fresh pineapple, adding bell peppers for extra crunch, or making it spicy with red pepper flakes. But no matter how I change it, the core flavors always stay the same. It’s an easy, no-fail meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Why Pineapple Chicken?
There are so many reasons to love this dish:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to wash!
- Sweet & Savory – The pineapple adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for Families – Kids and adults love it.
If you love sweet and savory dishes, this is a must-try recipe!
What Is Pineapple Chicken Made Of?
This dish is made with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful meal:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
- Pineapple – Either fresh or canned pineapple chunks.
- Garlic & Ginger – Adds a deep, rich flavor.
- Soy Sauce & Honey – The base of the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar & Pineapple Juice – Adds tang and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce.
- Bell Peppers (optional) – Adds a nice crunch.
- Rice – The perfect side to soak up the sauce.
It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that makes for the perfect weeknight dinner.
What to Have with Pineapple Chicken
This dish is great on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice – A classic pairing.
- Fried Rice – For extra flavor and texture.
- Quinoa – A healthier alternative.
- Steamed Broccoli or Snap Peas – Adds freshness and crunch.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A great side dish.
If you want a full takeout-style meal, serve this with dumplings or a simple cucumber salad!
Is Pineapple Chicken Healthy?
Yes! This dish is a great balance of protein, healthy carbs, and vitamins from the pineapple and veggies. Here’s how to make it even healthier:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or reduce the amount of sugar.
- Use fresh pineapple instead of canned to avoid extra sugar.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb option.
Even with a few adjustments, it’s still a delicious and nutritious meal!
Kitchen Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or wok – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Cutting board & knife – For chopping ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir everything together.
- Measuring cups & spoons – For the sauce ingredients.
No special tools are required—just simple kitchen basics!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and stir well.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot cooked rice.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- For extra crunch, add cashews or peanuts.
- If you like more sauce, double the sauce ingredients.
- For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should be tender and juicy.
- Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes! Just let it thaw slightly before adding.
Can I use tofu instead of chicken?
Yes! Pan-fried tofu works great in this recipe.
Can I freeze this?
Yes, but freeze without the rice for the best texture.
Conclusion
This easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s sweet, tangy, and packed with juicy chicken and pineapple, making it a takeout favorite you can make at home.
Try this recipe once, and I promise—it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
MORE RECIPES
Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- In the same pan, add the bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and stir well.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.