Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

Treat yourself to a burst of sunny flavor with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet—a vibrant, one-pan wonder that brings juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory rice together in absolute harmony. If you’re craving something that’s equal parts easy, satisfying, and downright joyful, this recipe will become your weeknight hero!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe just how much color, texture, and flavor comes from such a simple ingredient list! Each element plays an essential role in bringing the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet to life—juicy chicken for protein, rice for heartiness, pineapple for that irresistible tang, and a quick homemade sauce to tie it all together.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 lb): The star of the show—dice it for quick, even cooking and juicy bites in every forkful.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds just enough rich flavor and ensures the chicken gets that beautiful golden sear in the skillet.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural savor of the chicken.
• Bell pepper (1, diced): Provides pops of color and a slightly sweet crunch—use red, yellow, or orange for extra vibrancy.
• Pineapple chunks (1 can/15 oz, drained; reserve ¼ cup juice): Sweet, tangy pineapple brightens the entire dish and the juice is your little secret for the perfect sauce.
• Cooked white rice (2 cups): The hearty, fluffy base that soaks up all that gorgeous sauce. Leftover or freshly steamed both work wonderfully.
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Deepens the flavor with savory umami and a hint of saltiness.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the tang of pineapple and soy with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp): Brings depth without overpowering, making the sauce irresistibly aromatic.
• Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet? It’s a blank canvas for your cravings! With just a few tweaks, you can easily adapt it for different tastes, dietary needs, or simply what’s waiting in your fridge.

• Go Spicy: Kick things up by adding a dash of sriracha, crushed red pepper, or fresh jalapeños to the sauce for a sweet-and-spicy spin.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or chickpeas—the flavors soak in beautifully and keep the dish protein-packed.
• More Veggies, Please: Toss in snap peas, carrots, broccoli, or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
• Whole Grain Upgrade: Substitute brown rice or even quinoa for a nuttier, more wholesome base.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer, season it generously with salt and pepper, and let it sear—don’t rush this part! Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This simple step locks in so much flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

Sprinkle in your diced bell pepper and give everything a toss. Let the pepper cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it starts to soften but still keeps a bit of that delightful crunch. The skillet will smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Add the Pineapple

Stir in the pineapple chunks next. Cook for another 2 minutes. The pineapple will get a chance to lightly caramelize with the chicken and peppers, releasing its sweet, tangy juices right into the pan.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, quickly whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Pour this luscious mixture over everything in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple so they’re all glossy and flavorful.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Let the whole skillet simmer uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and coats everything in a gorgeous glaze. This is when all the flavors meld together—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Serve the pineapple chicken mixture over cooked rice or alongside it, and add your favorite garnishes if you like.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

Top your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet with thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor. The finishing touches make the dish feel restaurant-worthy (with hardly any effort on your end)!

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad, sautéed snow peas, or steamed broccoli. For something extra special, serve it with crispy wonton chips or a ginger miso soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, tropical spin, serve your skillet dinner in hollowed-out pineapple halves—an instant showstopper for guests! Or, scoop the chicken and pineapple mixture into lettuce cups for an easy finger food option at parties or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is a dream for next-day lunches. Simply let everything cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get more delicious as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Pack cooled chicken, pineapple, and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if it looks a bit dry. You can also microwave individual portions—just stir midway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s bursting with lively flavor, comes together in a flash, and creates happy faces around the table—look no further than Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every sweet-and-savory bite!

Print