Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice is a crave-worthy weeknight dinner. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and know the secret to perfect texture. Crispy, golden, and juicy. Try my Quick Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps next. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Quick Sweet Chili Chicken Wraps and Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi.
Why This Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken
- Sweet and tangy sauce
- No fancy tools needed
- Perfect for families
What You'll Need for Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 breasts of chicken
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 green onion
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Optional: Sliced almonds
- Optional: Cilantro
- Optional: Lime wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
- Rice: Use long grain rice for fluffy texture.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple works best, but canned is fine in a pinch.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: Use low sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking and ensures even browning. → See on Amazon
- Measuring cups — Helps ensure precise ingredient measurements for consistent results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add 1/2 cup broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp honey.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then add 1 cup rice and 1 cup pineapple chunks.
- Step 5: Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Step 6: Slice chicken and serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
- Technique: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Common mistake and fix: If rice is undercooked, add a splash of broth and continue cooking.
- Flavor: Use fresh garlic for best results and add a pinch of paprika for extra depth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 3 days Make-ahead tip: Prepare rice and sauce up to 2 days in advance.
Freezing Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
1 month
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes on high
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra crispiness, let chicken rest on a wire rack before slicing.
- Best substitution: Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor.
- Make-ahead: Make the rice and sauce ahead, then add chicken just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a large family or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and add to the pan.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality skillet — Ensures even cooking and prevents burning. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 breasts of chicken
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 green onion
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sesame seeds
Optional Toppings
- Sliced almonds
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add 1/2 cup broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp honey.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then add 1 cup rice and 1 cup pineapple chunks.
- Step 5: Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Step 6: Slice chicken and serve over rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra crispiness, let chicken rest on a wire rack before slicing.
- Best substitution: Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor.
- Make-ahead: Make the rice and sauce ahead, then add chicken just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a large family or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and add to the pan.
Storage
- Fridge: 3 days
- Freezer: 1 month
- Oven reheat: 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes
- Microwave reheat: 1–2 minutes on high
- Make ahead: Prepare rice and sauce up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice FAQs
Yes, you can make the rice and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Add the chicken before serving for best texture.
Check that the rice is fully cooked and the sauce is not too thin. Add more broth if needed.
Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
This recipe is just as tasty as takeout, with homemade flavor and control over ingredients.
You can use mango or papaya for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Pineapple Chicken Rice and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
