Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are actually even more flavorful and juicy. Cut them into similar-sized cubes and cook the same way. The timing remains the same as they are cut into small pieces.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Use 2.5 cups of liquid total and increase the covered cooking time to 35-40 minutes. Check that the brown rice is tender before adding the pineapple and peppers.

What if I do not have pineapple juice?

You can substitute with orange juice, apple juice, or even just use additional chicken broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or extra brown sugar for sweetness.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

You can cook the rice separately in a rice cooker and prepare the chicken, pineapple, and sauce on the stovetop, then combine everything at the end. However, you will miss some of the flavor that develops when everything cooks together.

How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?

Make sure to use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and do not lift the lid during the initial 15 minutes of cooking. The steam is essential for proper rice cooking. Also, let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow excess moisture to absorb.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Snap peas, broccoli florets, carrots, or baby corn all work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables like carrots with the rice, and add quicker-cooking vegetables like snap peas with the bell peppers near the end.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the regular soy sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check your chicken broth label as well.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes! Thaw the frozen pineapple chunks and drain well before using. Frozen pineapple works great and is often more affordable than fresh. Just make sure to remove excess moisture so your dish does not become watery.

How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or omit it entirely. The pineapple provides natural sweetness, so you may not need additional sugar depending on your taste preferences. You can always taste and adjust at the end.

What can I serve with this dish?

This is a complete one-pan meal, but you can serve it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad on the side. Some people like to add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.

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

Name: Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice – Sweet and Savory One-Pan Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs For the Chicken: boneless skinless chicken breast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Rice and Sauce: 1.5 cups long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper; 1 green bell pepper; 3 green onions; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Servings: 4 Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: easy

Bring a little sunshine to your dinner table with this Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly lifts your mood—tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pan and infused with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory sauce. Simple, comforting, and packed with tropical flair, this dish feels like a mini vacation without leaving your kitchen.

What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly everything comes together. There’s no juggling multiple pots or complicated techniques. Just one pan, everyday ingredients, and about 45 minutes stand between you and a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Why This Pineapple Chicken with Rice Is a Favorite

The magic of this dish lies in the contrast of flavors. Sweet, juicy Pineapple pairs beautifully with savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The sweetness never feels overpowering because it’s balanced by umami-rich ingredients that give the dish depth and richness.

As the rice cooks, it absorbs the pineapple juice and seasoned broth, becoming incredibly flavorful grain by grain. The chicken stays tender and juicy, while the pineapple lightly caramelizes, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

A True One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is designed with busy home cooks in mind. Everything cooks in a single deep skillet or wide pan, which means:

Less cleanup
Faster cooking
Maximum flavor

You start by browning the chicken to build flavor, then use the same pan to create the sauce and cook the rice. Those browned bits left behind are pure gold—they melt into the sauce and make the final dish taste like it simmered for hours.

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

This Pineapple Chicken with Rice hits that sweet spot (literally). The pineapple adds natural sweetness and brightness, while soy sauce, garlic, and ginger ground the dish with savory depth. A small amount of brown sugar enhances the pineapple rather than competing with it, creating a sauce that’s glossy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

The result is a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it without changing the core method or ingredients in your recipe card.

Fresh or canned pineapple both work beautifully
Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for extra juiciness
Add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots
Adjust sweetness or saltiness to suit your taste

It’s forgiving, adaptable, and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil

For the Rice and Sauce

Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Chicken broth
Pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple)
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Cornstarch + water (for thickening)
Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Red bell pepper
Green bell pepper

For Garnish (Optional)

Green onions
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes

How to Make Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Season and brown the chicken
Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the flavor base
In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant.
Toast the rice
Add uncooked rice and stir for about a minute to coat it in the aromatics.
Add liquids and sauce ingredients
Pour in chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Simmer the rice
Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer until the rice is mostly tender.
Add pineapple and vegetables
Scatter pineapple chunks and bell peppers on top. Cover and cook until rice is fully tender.
Thicken and finish
Stir in the cooked chicken and cornstarch slurry. Cook uncovered briefly until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Rest and serve
Let the dish rest for a few minutes, then garnish and serve hot.

Why the Rice Turns Out So Flavorful

Unlike plain boiled rice, this rice cooks directly in the sauce. It absorbs pineapple juice, broth, and seasonings as it simmers, creating layers of flavor you simply can’t get from cooking rice separately. The resting time at the end allows any excess moisture to absorb, ensuring fluffy—not mushy—rice.

Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish stores and reheats beautifully:

Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 days
Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat gently

The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking—steam is essential
Drain pineapple well if using canned
Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking
Taste and adjust sweetness or salt at the end

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice proves that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With sweet tropical notes, savory depth, and a simple one-pan method, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s comforting, colorful, and endlessly satisfying—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whenever you need a dinner that’s easy, family-friendly, and just a little bit special, this one-pan pineapple chicken has you covered 🍍🍗🍚

Note

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness. If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well and reserve the juice for the recipe. Fresh pineapple can be substituted with frozen pineapple chunks - just thaw and drain first. For a spicier version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

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