Some dinners have a magical way of transporting you to another place. For me, this Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice feels like a mini tropical getaway, all in the comfort of my kitchen. The juicy sweetness of pineapple, paired with golden chicken and fragrant jasmine rice, creates a harmony that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s the kind of one-pan dinner that delights everyone around the table while still being quick enough for busy weeknights. This is definitely one you’ll want to save for later!
Why You’ll Love It
- One-pan wonder—less cleanup, more flavor.
- A perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory chicken.
- Colorful and family-friendly—kids love it as much as adults.
- Meal prep friendly—reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Customizable—adjust the sweetness, spice, or veggies to your taste.
- A healthy dinner that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the chicken In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add pineapple Stir in the pineapple cubes and let them cook for 2 minutes, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize slightly.
- Cook the rice Add jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Combine and serve Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Tropical Twist: Swap jasmine rice for coconut rice for even more island vibes.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey breast for a fun variation.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture—canned works in a pinch, but fresh really shines.
- If the rice starts to stick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
- For perfect fluffy rice, resist the urge to stir too often while it cooks.
- Meal prep tip: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days—it reheats beautifully.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes, canned pineapple works, but fresh gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor. - Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cook as directed and store in the fridge. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. - Q: Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly, since brown rice takes longer to cook. - Q: What’s the best way to meal prep this?
A: Divide into portions, store in airtight containers, and keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Perfect for lunchboxes!
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is more than just dinner—it’s a colorful, tropical-inspired comfort meal that brings smiles to the table. With juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and aromatic rice all cooked in one pan, it’s quick, cozy, and irresistibly delicious. Save this recipe to your dinner board so it’s ready for your next busy weeknight or family gathering!
Print
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Colorful, Cozy & Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a tropical-inspired one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice. A colorful and cozy recipe perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened.
- Add pineapple cubes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet and mix well. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh pineapple. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep. Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like it spicy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken rice recipe, tropical dinner, one-pan chicken, healthy weeknight dinner