If you love the perfect combination of sweet and savory, then this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is for you! Juicy, caramelized chicken, coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy pineapple sauce, is served over fluffy rice, making this dish an absolute flavor bomb.

Inspired by Hawaiian and Asian flavors, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with tropical goodness. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering when you want something delicious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Sweet & Savory Perfection – The best balance of tangy pineapple and savory soy sauce.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
✔️ One-Pan Magic – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Customizable – Works with different proteins, veggies, and spice levels.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well & reheats beautifully.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step guide, pro tips, variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs to master this mouthwatering dish! 🍍🍗🍚

What Makes Pineapple Chicken Special?

This dish perfectly blends tropical pineapple sweetness with garlicky, umami-rich soy sauce and tender, caramelized chicken. The natural acidity of pineapple helps tenderize the chicken, making it even more flavorful!

🌟 The Secret? A homemade pineapple glaze made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of garlic and ginger—it’s pure magic!

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

1. Chicken (The Protein Star) 🍗

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
Thighs = more juicy & flavorful, while breasts = leaner & firmer.

2. Pineapple (The Sweet Element) 🍍

Fresh or canned pineapple chunks work great.
Pineapple juice is used in the sauce for natural sweetness.

3. Garlic & Ginger (The Flavor Boosters) 🧄🌿

Adds depth and warmth to balance the sweetness.

4. Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar (The Savory-Sweet Combo) 🌿

Soy sauce provides umami, while brown sugar caramelizes beautifully.

5. Rice (The Base) 🍚

Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work well.

6. Bell Peppers & Green Onions (For Freshness) 🌶️🌿

Add color, crunch, and a pop of freshness.

7. Optional Extras (For More Flavor) 🔥

Red pepper flakes or sriracha – For a spicy kick.
Sesame seeds – Adds nutty crunch.
Cashews or almonds – Extra texture & crunch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water.
Cook with 2 cups of water & a pinch of salt.
Fluff with a fork & set aside.

🔹 For Extra Flavor: Add 1 tbsp coconut milk or chicken broth to the rice while cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
✅ ½ cup pineapple juice
✅ ¼ cup soy sauce
✅ 2 tbsp brown sugar
✅ 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
✅ 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
✅ 1 tsp minced garlic
✅ 1 tsp grated ginger
Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cut 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 thighs) into bite-sized pieces.
Toss with:
✅ 1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispy edges)
✅ ½ tsp salt & black pepper
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping until golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple & Veggies

Add 1 cup pineapple chunks & 1 sliced bell pepper to the pan.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce & Simmer

Pour the pineapple sauce into the pan.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens & coats the chicken.
Stir in sliced green onions for extra flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Serve the chicken & pineapple sauce over rice.
Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, & extra pineapple chunks.

Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken & Rice

✔️ Use fresh pineapple – It’s sweeter and more flavorful.
✔️ Cornstarch on the chicken – Creates a light, crispy coating.
✔️ Caramelize the pineapple – Adds deeper sweetness.
✔️ Simmer the sauce briefly – Thickens it perfectly.
✔️ Garnish for freshness – Green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds enhance the flavor.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

1. Spicy Pineapple Chicken 🔥

Add 1 tsp Sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Toss in chopped jalapeños for extra spice.

2. Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken 🍍🍶

Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce.
Add a drizzle of honey for extra glaze.

3. Coconut Pineapple Chicken 🌴

Add ½ cup coconut milk for a tropical creamy twist.
Serve with coconut rice instead of plain rice.

4. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken 🍍🔥

Toss chicken in BBQ sauce before serving.
Grill pineapple for a smoky depth.

5. Low-Carb & Keto Pineapple Chicken 🥑

Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pineapple Chicken

Classic Pairings

🍲 Egg Fried Rice – A delicious upgrade.
🥒 Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing.
🥟 Potstickers or Spring Rolls – A tasty appetizer.

Healthy Options

🥦 Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy – Adds a fresh crunch.
🥑 Avocado & Tomato Salad – Creamy contrast.

Drinks to Pair with This Dish

🍹 Pineapple Smoothie or Iced Tea – Complements the tropical flavors.
🍷 White Wine (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc) – A crisp, fruity match.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! Just drain the syrup to avoid excess sweetness.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. How do I reheat without drying out the chicken?

Reheat on low heat in a pan with a splash of water or microwave with a damp paper towel.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4 hours, adding cornstarch at the end to thicken the sauce.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes—just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is easy, flavorful, and packed with tropical goodness! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, meal prep, or a summer gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

🔥 Try it today & enjoy the ultimate sweet-savory combo! 🔥

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice – A Perfect Balance of Flavor!

Author: Chef Emy

Print Recipe

Description

A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is loaded with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a flavorful sauce that ties it all together. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies & Pineapple:
- In the same pan, add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.
Cook the Rice:
- Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook on low for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Prepare the Sweet & Savory Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the sauce. Stir well.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted cashews or almonds for extra crunch.
- Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors in every bite!

Notes

This dish is a delicious mix of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all coated in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner!

Keywords: #PineappleChicken #SweetAndSavory #OnePanMeal #EasyDinners #FlavorfulEats