Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet

Name: Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Cooking

I love whipping up a quick yet delicious meal, and this Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet is one of my favorite go-to dishes. It combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant vegetables in a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor. It’s a breeze to make on busy weeknights, and it always impresses my family and friends. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner without the fuss.

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2026-02-15T06:17:36.531Z

When I first discovered the combination of pineapple and chicken, it was like a culinary revelation! The sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the savory notes of chicken, and cooking them together in one skillet creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. I remember serving this dish to friends for the first time, and the excitement on their faces was unforgettable.

Over time, I’ve fine-tuned my approach to ensure every bite is delicious. Using jasmine rice is a key step, as its aromatic quality enhances the overall dish. Plus, adding some green onions right at the end gives it a fresh, vibrant touch that makes the meal feel even more special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet pineapple adds a tropical twist to a classic dish
One-pan preparation makes for easy cleanup
Versatile: serve as a family meal or impress guests

Balancing Flavors and Textures

The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a delightful balance of flavors in this dish. Pineapple not only adds a tropical sweetness but also brings a hint of acidity that brightens the overall profile. When sautéing the pineapple, be careful not to cook it for too long; just enough to warm and caramelize it slightly is perfect. This ensures the chunks retain some of their juiciness while adding depth to the dish.

In terms of texture, the tender chicken pairs beautifully with the juicy pineapple and the crunch of bell peppers. For a bit more crunch, you can choose to substitute the bell pepper with snap peas or water chestnuts, which will introduce a different texture while still contributing to the overall freshness of the skillet.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

When cooking the chicken, ensure that the oil is heated to medium before adding the meat. This will promote a nice sear, locking in moisture and flavor. If you find your chicken sticking to the pan, your oil may not be hot enough, or there may be too many pieces crowding the skillet. It’s best to cook in batches if needed, allowing each piece to brown nicely.

Another tip is to cut your chicken into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly. If you accidentally overcook the chicken and it becomes dry, consider serving this dish with a light drizzle of extra soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add moisture back into the meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet can be a great meal prep option. You can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, just add the rice and heat everything through on the stove. This not only saves you time on busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to meld further, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Make sure to prep all your ingredients before cooking for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Here's how to make the Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients

Add the garlic and pineapple chunks to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Mix in Rice

Incorporate the cooked jasmine rice and soy sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for leftovers.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of pineapple juice along with the soy sauce. It enhances the sweetness and makes the dish even more dynamic!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet, serve it with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on the side. The acidity from the lime and the herbaceous notes of cilantro will brighten the flavors even more. You can also accompany it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.

For those looking to add a protein boost, consider serving this skillet with a side of edamame or a quick cucumber salad. The crispness of cucumbers lightly dressed in rice vinegar makes for a complementary side that contrasts well with the warm, savory skillet.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste preferences. If you're a fan of spice, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha will give it a good kick. Alternatively, a dash of smoked paprika can introduce a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can easily substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh. Make sure to sauté the tofu until crispy for the best texture, and adjust the cooking time accordingly for even cooking throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu or shrimp for a different twist on this dish.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would work wonderfully in this skillet.