Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner


Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice – A Sweet & Savory One-Pan Favorite
This Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and satisfying.
Juicy chicken, tender rice, and bright pops of pineapple cook together in one pan for a dish that’s cozy, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.
It’s the kind of meal your family will devour — and YOU will love because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pan
- Sweet + savory flavor the whole family loves
- Easy ingredients, minimal prep
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Great for meal prep
- Tender chicken + fluffy rice in one dish
🧄 Ingredients
For the Pineapple Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Rice + Sauce
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from can)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp ginger (fresh or powdered)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 cup bell peppers or peas
- Garnish: green onions, sesame seeds

🍳 Instructions
1. Season & Brown the Chicken
Toss chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet and brown chicken for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden.
Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Rice + Liquids
Stir in:
- rice
- chicken broth
- pineapple juice
- soy sauce
- brown sugar/honey
Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Chicken Back In
Return chicken to the pan.
Add pineapple chunks and optional veggies.
5. Cover & Cook
Cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes, stirring once halfway.
Rice should be fluffy and chicken fully cooked.
6. Serve
Fluff with a fork and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

🔥 Expert Tips
- Don’t skip browning the chicken — it adds flavor
- Use long-grain rice for best texture
- Add a splash of soy sauce at the end if you want deeper flavor
- For heat: add red pepper flakes or sriracha
- Make it creamy by stirring in 1–2 tbsp butter at the end
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- With steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- Topped with sweet chili sauce
- Inside lettuce wraps
- As meal-prep bowls for the week
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid and cooking time (about 40–45 minutes).
Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely — it works perfectly.
Can I make this without pineapple juice?
Use extra broth + 2 tbsp honey for sweetness.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw first for even cooking.
🧮 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: ~430
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 28g
