Looking for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require a pile of dishes? This pineapple chicken and rice recipe is your answer. Made in one skillet and done in just 30 minutes, it brings a tropical twist to a hearty meal. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory rice makes this dish feel like a takeout favorite — but even better because it’s homemade.
Perfect for busy nights or when you need a low-stress meal that still feels special, this dish is simple to prepare, easy to customize, and always satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this recipe. For starters, everything cooks in a single pan, which means less cleanup. It’s quick enough to pull together after work but flavorful enough to impress guests. Plus, it’s adaptable — swap proteins or veggies depending on what’s in your fridge.
Ready in 30 minutes
No fancy ingredients or equipment
Balanced sweet and savory flavors
Works for dinner, lunch prep, or even a crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this dish and why each ingredient matters.
Cooked Rice (4 cups, white or brown): Cold, pre-cooked rice is ideal. It fries better than freshly made rice and helps the dish stay fluffy instead of sticky.
Chicken Thighs (1 pound, boneless, skinless): These stay tender and juicy during cooking. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better texture.
Coconut Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and can handle high heat well. It also complements the tropical notes of pineapple.
Yellow Onion (½, chopped): Provides a mild sweetness and forms the savory base of the dish.
Green and Red Bell Peppers (½ of each, chopped): These add crunch, color, and a little sweetness to contrast with the savory ingredients.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings that unmistakable savory aroma and punch to the mix.
Fresh Ginger (1-inch piece, grated): Lends warmth and brightness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds saltiness and umami. Use a low-sodium version if preferred.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the salty soy sauce and enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
Pineapple (1½ cups, diced): Whether fresh or canned, pineapple is the star ingredient, offering juicy sweetness and a tropical feel.
Frozen Peas (¾ cup): Tossed in at the end, they provide color and a pop of freshness.
Lime Juice (from 1 lime): A little acidity from lime rounds everything out and adds brightness.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and a fresh finish.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This recipe follows a simple pattern: brown the chicken, cook the vegetables, add flavor with sauces and aromatics, stir in the rice and pineapple, and finish with a touch of lime. Because everything goes into one pan in layers, it’s important to have all ingredients chopped and ready to go before starting.
The key to success is using cold rice and cooking each component with care so nothing gets soggy or overcooked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken
Sprinkle a bit of salt over the chicken pieces and let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and draws out moisture. Blot the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Bell Peppers
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden.
Step 5: Pour in Soy Sauce
Add soy sauce and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These add great flavor to the dish.
Step 6: Mix in Rice and Honey
Add the cold rice and drizzle with honey. Stir gently to combine, breaking up any rice clumps. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Add Pineapple
Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan. Add the pineapple cubes and mix well. Lower the heat and cook for 3 to 5 more minutes so the pineapple can release its juices.
Step 8: Finish with Peas and Lime
Add the frozen peas and squeeze in the lime juice. Stir for a couple more minutes until everything is warm and well combined.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Helpful Tips
Use cold rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. This prevents it from getting mushy when stir-fried.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken — give it space to brown.
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Once the pan gets hot, the recipe moves fast.
You can taste and adjust the soy sauce or lime at the end to suit your flavor preferences.
Fresh pineapple gives the best texture, but canned (drained) works great too.
Details
Flavor: A perfect mix of savory, sweet, and a little zingy from lime
Texture: Juicy chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and fluffy fried rice
Occasion: Dinner, lunch meal prep, or casual gathering
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even leftover turkey.
Add some chili flakes or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Use tamari for a gluten-free version of soy sauce.
Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to make it lower in carbs.
Add a scrambled egg during cooking for extra protein and richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 359 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 407 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Vitamin C | 52 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe | Easy Sweet and Savory Weeknight Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice recipe is made in one skillet and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
4 cups cold cooked rice (white or brown)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped
3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
½ yellow onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1-inch fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1½ cups diced pineapple
¾ cup frozen peas
Juice of 1 lime
Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until done. Set aside.
3. Add remaining coconut oil to the skillet. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour in soy sauce, scraping the pan bottom.
7. Add rice and honey. Stir to combine and heat for 2–3 minutes.
8. Add chicken and pineapple. Cook together for 3–5 minutes.
9. Mix in frozen peas and lime juice. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
10. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve.
Notes
Use leftover rice for best results.
Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu.
Add chili flakes for heat.
Tamari can be used for gluten-free option.
Cauliflower rice can be used for low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Tropical-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 407mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Conclusion
This pineapple chicken and rice dish is a go-to solution for anyone craving a sweet and savory meal that’s quick, easy, and cooked all in one pan. It’s hearty, flavorful, and flexible enough to suit any night of the week. From the tender chicken to the juicy pineapple and crisp veggies, each bite brings a taste of something fresh and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to please.