This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Juicy chunks of pineapple mingle with tender slices of chicken in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar—creating a glossy glaze that clings to every bite.

The dish is anchored by fluffy rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, while the red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat for those who like a touch of spice. Everything comes together in one pan for easy cleanup, and it’s endlessly customizable depending on your preferences or what you have in the fridge. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight routine or craving something comforting with a bit of flair, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Best of all, it’s kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Simplicity – Minimal dishes and fast cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights.

Sweet & Savory Harmony – The pineapple, honey, and soy sauce create a balanced and flavorful sauce.
Quick to Prepare – With just a few steps and basic ingredients, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Base – Great for customizing with vegetables or switching up the protein.

Family-Friendly – Mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for adults.

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil

Onion
Pineapple chunks
Soy sauce

Honey
Rice vinegar
Garlic

Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooked rice

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.

Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added crunch and color.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Pineapple Teriyaki Style: Swap honey and vinegar for teriyaki sauce to change the flavor profile.

Grilled Version: Marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill it for a smoky twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, add chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the drained pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Combine with Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and the flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over warm cooked rice and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thinly slice the chicken for quicker, more even cooking.
Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, if available.
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly and intensify the flavors.

For more caramelization, let the pineapple brown slightly before adding the sauce ingredients.
Double the sauce if serving with extra rice or adding more vegetables.

How to Serve

Serve the pineapple chicken hot over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime for added freshness. Pair with a light side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the chicken and sauce mixture (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple in juice instead of syrup?

Yes, and it’s actually preferred for a lighter, less sweet dish.

2. What kind of rice works best?

White rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice are all great options.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this dish.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default—use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

6. What vegetables go well in this dish?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots all pair nicely.

7. Can I make this without rice?

Yes, try serving it over noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

8. How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered, or stir in a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze.

9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mildly sweet and can be made without spicy ingredients.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into something special. With its irresistible sweet-and-savory sauce and juicy pineapple chunks, it’s a dish that brings a little sunshine to your plate any time of year. Whether you’re serving it to family, meal prepping for the week, or trying something new for dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying—it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat.