Pineapple Chicken And Rice Skillet

Name: Pineapple Chicken And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 2 cups jasmine rice; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: World Gourmet Creations

I love making Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet because it's a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. The juiciness of the pineapple combined with the tender chicken and fluffy rice creates a satisfying one-pan meal that's great for busy weeknights. Plus, it only takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a winner for any dinner table. The burst of tropical flavor is just what I need to brighten up my meals!

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:31:12.018Z

When I first tried making Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The fragrant aroma filled my kitchen, teasing my taste buds with hints of sweet pineapple and savory chicken. It became a go-to dish not just for its flavor but also for its ease of preparation.

I discovered that using fresh pineapple gives the dish a lively sweetness that canned versions just can’t match, and a splash of soy sauce perfectly balances the flavors. I always make sure to use jasmine rice for its aromatic qualities, making this meal truly irresistible!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory combination for a tropical delight
One-pan meal makes for easy cleanup
Quick and simple preparation for busy nights

      

Mastering the Balance of Flavors

The key to achieving the perfect sweet and savory balance in this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet lies in the soy sauce and pineapple combination. The savory soy sauce enhances the chicken, while the pineapple adds a natural sweetness and acidity. If you prefer a tangier profile, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice during cooking to brighten the dish. Alternatively, if you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully without overshadowing its tropical essence.

When cooking with chicken, it’s vital to ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Aim for cubes about 1-inch in size. If you're using leftover cooked chicken, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from drying out. The goal is to keep the chicken tender and juicy while integrating it seamlessly with the pineapple and rice.

Rice Cooking Techniques

For jasmine rice, rinsing the grains before cooking is essential. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that fluffy texture you want—no sticky clumps here! Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, then let it drain for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet. This small step makes a significant difference in the final mouthfeel of the dish.

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even quinoa as a substitute. Just adjust the liquid amounts and reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. With pre-cooked rice, add it to the skillet after the vegetables have softened, allowing it to absorb the flavors for just a few minutes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparing this dish in advance can be a lifesaver during busy weeknights. You can marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor absorption. Store the diced vegetables in an airtight container so they’re ready to go when you're ready to cook.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. If you find you have too much rice, consider freezing individual portions. It freezes well and can be easily reheated straight from the freezer, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups jasmine rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the vegetables

Stir in the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.

Combine the rice and liquids

Add the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Cook the dish

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve and enjoy

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or carrots to enhance the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is versatile enough to pair with various sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli can complement the dish beautifully. Adding a side of creamy coleslaw can enhance the tropical feel, providing a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and rice.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping the dish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts like cashews. These add an appealing texture and a flavor that matches well with the dish's sweet and savory notes.

Variations to Explore

You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Swap the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu if you're looking for a lighter option or want to cater to a vegetarian audience. Adjust the cooking time as shrimp cooks much quicker—just 3-5 minutes until they are pink and opaque.

Feel free to include additional vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Add these to the skillet after the onion and bell pepper to maintain their crunch and vibrant appearance in the final dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice seems undercooked or too firm after the suggested cooking time, check the heat level. Sometimes, reducing the heat too much can disrupt the cooking process. If necessary, add a little more broth or water, cover, and let it simmer a few minutes longer until the rice reaches a fluffy consistency.

For a dish that is overly saucy, avoid uncovering it too soon to let the liquid evaporate. If you find it too saucy for your preference, uncover during the last few minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to steam away, concentrating the flavors and preventing a soggy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but be aware that you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to include any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to make it even more nutritious.

→ What should I serve with the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.