If you love the idea of a one-pan, flavor-packed dinner that brings color and cheer to your weeknight table, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet. This recipe delivers tender chicken, juicy pineapple, sweet peppers, and satisfying rice, all bathed in a tangy-sweet sauce—no fancy techniques, just pure comfort and sunshine in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Magic: Every step happens in a single pan, cutting down on clean-up and getting dinner ready fast.
- A Tropical Twist: Pineapple chunks add a burst of sweet-tangy flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Perfect Weeknight Dinner: This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is ready in under 30 minutes, but looks and tastes like it took all afternoon!
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Kids and adults both love the colorful combo, and it’s easy to tweak for any taste or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these easy ingredients on hand, and each one plays a special role in making this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet irresistible. The mix of lean chicken, vibrant veggies, and that dreamy pineapple sauce all come together for a balanced, crave-worthy meal.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, tender, and cooks quickly—ideal for busy nights and soaking up flavor.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and brings richness to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
- Bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness—choose any color you love!
- Canned pineapple chunks (plus reserved juice): Juicy, tangy, and perfectly sweet for the sauce and hearty bites.
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy, neutral, and ready to soak up the saucy goodness.
- Soy sauce: Gives the dish savory depth and a classic stir-fry vibe.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the soy and pineapple.
- Garlic powder: For that kiss of aromatic warmth without any chopping.
- Ground ginger: Essential for a little zest and brightness in the sauce.
Variations
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is endlessly flexible, and I highly encourage you to make it your own! You can swap, add, or tweak based on what everyone loves or what you have on hand—there are no rules here, just fresh flavor and fun.
- Swap the veggies: Try broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a new flavor and crunch combo each time.
- Go spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce for a gentle kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- Try brown rice or quinoa: For extra fiber and nuttiness, swap out the white rice for your favorite grain.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until the pieces are golden and cooked through—usually 6–8 minutes. Don’t forget to give them a good stir so they brown evenly.
Step 2: Toss in the Veggies
Add your diced bell pepper right into the pan with the chicken. Stir and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still have a little crunch and plenty of color.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple
Next, fold in the drained pineapple chunks. Let them mingle in the hot pan for 2 minutes so they get a bit caramelized, releasing their sweet-tangy flavor right into the mix.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger. Pour this fragrant mixture over your skillet, making sure the chicken and veggies are beautifully coated.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Let everything simmer, uncovered, for 4–5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and every ingredient should be glistening and full of flavor. Serve the pineapple chicken mix over your fluffy rice, or nestle the rice alongside—either way, it’s pure comfort on a plate!
Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet
- Dice for Speed: Cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking with no dry spots.
- Don’t Skip the Juice: Using reserved pineapple juice in the sauce gives you maximum sweet flavor and helps that classic glossy finish.
- Veggie Timing: Add bell peppers after the chicken has browned so they stay crisp-tender and keep their color.
- Sauce Simmer: Simmer uncovered at the end so the sauce reduces and clings to every bite—don’t rush this step!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a shower of sesame seeds right before serving for a fresh crunch and a pop of color. If you like a hint of heat, a few red pepper flakes go beautifully with the sweet pineapple and savory soy.
Side Dishes
This skillet is truly a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a bright cucumber salad, simple steamed broccoli, or a side of roasted snap peas for even more vibrant greens on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet right inside a hollowed-out pineapple “boat” at your next family dinner or potluck—it’s a showstopper! Or, pack it into individual meal prep containers for cheerful, grab-and-go lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as tonight’s dinner!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep things moist. It also microwaves beautifully for a speedy lunch—just cover to retain steam and prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving; just dice them the same size as you would the breast and cook until browned and cooked through.
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Do I have to use canned pineapple?
You can use fresh pineapple if you have it—just reserve some juice for the sauce, or supplement with a splash of orange juice if needed for the tang and consistency.
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Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet holds up beautifully in the fridge, so pack individual servings with rice for an easy grab-and-go lunch all week.
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Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Frozen bell peppers work just fine—add them straight to the skillet, but be aware you might have a bit more liquid in the pan, so simmer an extra minute to reduce the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, lively, and beloved by the whole family, Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is a definite keeper. Give it a try this week—you might find yourself making it again (and again) whenever you need a dinner that brings smiles all around!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet recipe is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory bell peppers in a flavorful sauce. Serve over cooked white rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skillet:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat everything.
- Simmer: Simmer uncovered for 4–5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and reduced.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and pineapple mixture over rice or with rice on the side. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
