Pineapple Chicken Rice is a dish that brings vibrant flavors and a touch of sweetness to our dinner table. I love how easy this recipe is, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken, pineapple, and colorful veggies makes it a complete meal that even the kids enjoy.
I remember my mom, Eva, cooking this dish on weekends. The sweet aroma filled our home, and we would sit down as a family, savoring every bite. It holds a special place in my heart, just like all the meals we shared growing up.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Bringing It All Together
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked rice, ensuring all ingredients are combined well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas to give it more crunch and color. For a spicy kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
How We Love to Serve It
We enjoy this dish hot, right from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple salad or steamed veggies on the side. My family loves to sprinkle extra green onions on top for added flavor.
A Few Tips For Success
Make sure your chicken is cooked through to avoid any worries about undercooking. Also, using leftover rice works great and saves time. Fresh pineapple adds a nice crunch, but canned works just as well.
Saving Some For Later
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it’s hot throughout.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you enjoy making this Pineapple Chicken Rice as much as I do. It’s a dish that warms the heart and brings people together. Cooking is a joyful experience, and I am glad to share these memories and flavors with you.
Your Questions, Answered
How can I make Pineapple Chicken Rice spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give it that spicy kick you’re looking for. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference for the perfect balance.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Pineapple Chicken Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can add more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor to your dish. Just ensure it is fully cooked before you mix it in with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make Pineapple Chicken Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and cook the dish a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. The flavors will blend nicely as it sits.
Print
Pineapple Chicken Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant dish combining chicken, pineapple, and colorful veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked rice, ensuring all ingredients are combined well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pineapple, Chicken, Rice, Easy Dinner, Family Meal