Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice combines tender chicken bites, sweet pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice in one skillet for a 30-minute tropical weeknight dinner. This sweet-savory dish serves 4 with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families craving takeout flavors at home.
Why This Recipe Works
Pineapple juice tenderizes chicken while natural sugars caramelize for flavor depth. One-pan method infuses rice with savory juices eliminating bland grains. Soy-honey balance prevents cloying sweetness. Bell peppers add crunch color contrasting soft textures.
Ingredients & Prep
1 lb boneless chicken breasts diced bite-size, 1 can 20oz pineapple chunks drained reserve juice, 1½ cups uncooked white rice rinsed, 1 red bell pepper diced, 3 green onions sliced, 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, ½ tsp ground ginger, salt pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat oil medium-high large skillet. Season chicken salt pepper brown 4-5 minutes not fully cooked. Push aside add garlic ginger 30 seconds fragrant. Add rice stir 2 minutes translucent. Pour 1 cup pineapple juice soy sauce honey stir combine. Nestle chicken back add pineapple chunks bell pepper. Bring boil cover simmer low 18-20 minutes rice tender liquid absorbed. Fluff stir green onions serve hot.

Flavor Variations
| Variation Key | Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Teriyaki | Soy + 1 tbsp rice vinegar sesame oil | Japanese takeout |
| Spicy Sriracha | 1 tsp sriracha honey | Thai heat |
| Coconut Rice | Water coconut milk | Tropical creaminess |
| Fried Rice Style | Cooked rice + scrambled egg peas | Takeout crunch |
Storage Tips
Refrigerate airtight 3 days. Reheat stovetop splash water prevent drying. Freeze 2 months thaw overnight.
FAQs
Rice mushy? Rinse thoroughly use exact liquid measure. Chicken tough? Dice smaller don’t overcook. Sauce thin? Simmer uncovered 2 minutes cornstarch slurry.
Conclusion
Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice delivers tropical vacation flavors through one-pan simplicity sweet savory satisfying perfection.
PrintEasy Pineapple Chicken with Rice
Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice offers juicy chicken bites in a sweet-savory pineapple sauce, served over fluffy rice for tropical weeknight bliss. Bright pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and sticky glaze create crave-worthy one-pan magic. Family favorite blending fruity tang with garlicky comfort.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pineapple Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (1-inch cubes) 1 tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper (to taste) 1 bell pepper (diced) 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks (drained, reserve ¼ cup juice) 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium) 1 tbsp honey ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp ground ginger 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving) Garnish: Green onions or sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium. Add chicken cubes, season salt/pepper, cook 6-8 mins until browned & cooked through. Add diced bell pepper, cook 2-3 mins until tender. Stir in pineapple chunks, cook 2 mins. Whisk reserved pineapple juice + soy sauce + honey + garlic powder + ginger. Pour into skillet, stir to coat. Simmer uncovered 4-5 mins until sauce thickens. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions/sesame seeds.
Notes
One-pan wonder = minimal cleanup maximum flavor. Pineapple juice tenderizes chicken naturally. Low-sodium soy = balanced sweet-savory. Bell pepper adds crunch & color pop. Double sauce for extra sticky rice coating. Storage: Airtight fridge 3 days. Reheat stovetop. Freeze cooked: 2 months perfect. High-protein family meal ready 25 mins. Sub thighs for juicier option. Fresh pineapple = next-level chunks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe (with ½ cup rice)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy pineapple chicken, pineapple chicken with rice, sweet savory chicken skillet, tropical chicken dinner

