One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

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I love making One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice because it’s a simple yet delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to my table. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice creates a harmony of flavors that my family adores. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book! This recipe is quick to prepare and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend get-together. I'll share the secret to making it a go-to meal in my house!

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:59:34.614Z

Making One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice was a delightful culinary journey for me. One particular evening, I experimented with different spices to enhance the natural sweetness of the pineapple, which truly elevated the dish. The balance of savory and sweet flavors is what keeps my friends asking for seconds!

I discovered that searing the chicken initially gives it that gorgeous golden color and locks in juiciness. As the rice absorbs the pineapple juice and chicken broth, it transforms into a fluffy, aromatic side that complements the dish perfectly. Trust me, the combination will leave your taste buds dancing!

        Why You'll Love This Dish
        Sweet and tangy pineapple complements tender chicken perfectly
One-pan cooking means easy cleanup and more family time
A delightful tropical twist that brightens any meal

      

Ingredient Spotlight

The choice of jasmine rice is crucial for this dish, as it has a slightly floral aroma and a stickier texture compared to other types of rice. This stickiness helps the rice cling to the delicious flavors of the chicken and pineapple, making each bite a burst of tropical goodness. If jasmine rice isn't available, basmati can be a suitable substitute, though it results in a less sticky final texture.

Pineapple, whether fresh or canned, contributes a sweet and tangy element that balances the savory notes of the chicken. Fresh pineapple offers a firmer texture and brighter flavor, while canned pineapple is more convenient and provides adequate sweetness. If you prefer an even more tropical experience, consider using additional tropical fruits like mango or a splash of coconut milk in the broth for added creaminess.

Techniques for Success

Searing the chicken properly is essential for developing a rich flavor base. Make sure your pan is adequately heated before adding the chicken; you should hear a sizzle when it hits the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of browning. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to achieve that desirable golden crust.

When combining the rice and liquid, it's important to bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. This initial boil helps the rice cook evenly. Keep the heat low enough to gently simmer but not so low that it barely bubbles. A lid is essential during this process to trap steam and moisture, ensuring perfectly cooked rice.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this flavorful dish:

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

After gathering all the ingredients, you’re ready to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice:

Sear the Chicken

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan, add the onions, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the jasmine rice, then add the chicken broth, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and ginger. Bring to a boil.

Combine Chicken and Cook

Return the seared chicken to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with green onions, and enjoy your One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice!

Once you finish cooking, be sure to savor every bite of this delicious dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy texture!

Make-Ahead Tips

This One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the steps starting from sautéing the vegetables. This can save you time on busy weekdays, allowing you to whip up a tropical dinner in no time.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating can be done on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out, or you may choose to microwave it. To reheat, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice, consider serving it alongside a fresh tropical salsa made from diced mango, cilantro, and lime juice. This brightens the dish further and adds extra layers of flavor. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for additional crunch and freshness.

For a fun twist, you could serve this dish in halved pineapple shells. After hollowing out fresh pineapple, just fill the shells with the finished rice and chicken mixture. This not only looks impressive but also adds an extra touch of tropical flair that’s perfect for gatherings.

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.

→ Is it possible to make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! You can use tofu, shrimp, or any other protein you prefer, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It's a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad for extra freshness.