Dinner

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

ByElla Hart December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes perfectly. Combining tender chicken with juicy pineapple chunks and fragrant jasmine rice, it offers a comforting yet exciting meal ideal for any night of the week.

A white bowl is filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with chunks of golden-brown grilled chicken and bright yellow pineapple pieces, both coated in a shiny glaze. The grilled chicken and pineapple are scattered evenly over the rice, with small green onion pieces sprinkled on top for color. A thin slice of lemon is placed on the side inside the bowl, adding a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups jasmine rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions; set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add red bell pepper and pineapple chunks; cook for another 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender and pineapple is heated through.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the vegetables and pineapple.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and honey for 15 minutes before cooking.
Substitute brown rice for jasmine rice for a nuttier texture and extra fiber.
Add vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added crunch and color.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or omit it entirely.
Use fresh pineapple for the best taste and texture, but canned works well in a pinch—just be sure to drain it.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating rice repeatedly to prevent dryness.