Pineapple Chicken And Rice Skillet

Name: Pineapple Chicken And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1/2 cup diced onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness); Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural Kitchen

When I first made this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how the sweet and savory flavors harmonize beautifully. The juicy pineapple adds a tropical twist that elevates the whole dish. I love how quick and straightforward it is to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a colorful and delicious meal that my family can't resist. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, which means less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying this delightful dish together.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:40:18.917Z

One day, I decided to experiment with a classic chicken and rice dish, and that's when this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet was born. I wanted something that encapsulated summer flavors, and the addition of pineapple really delivers. The trick is to use fresh pineapple if you can; it not only enhances the flavor but also gives a natural sweetness that’s quite addictive.

As I crafted this recipe, I discovered the importance of allowing the rice to absorb all the juices from the chicken and pineapple. This not only boosts the flavor but creates a wonderful texture that makes each bite satisfying. Now, it’s a staple in my home and a go-to for gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Tropical flavors that transport you to a sunny beach
One-pan meal for fewer dishes and more time to relax
Customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition

Perfecting Your Pineapple Chicken

For the best flavor in your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet, ensure your chicken is evenly diced into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. When sautéing, aim for a medium-high heat; if you find the chicken browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning. You want a nice golden color, which enhances the dish's depth of flavor.

Incorporating the garlic at the right time is crucial. Adding minced garlic too early can lead to bitterness. Once the chicken is browned, adding garlic allows it to soften and release its aromatic oils without burning. Stirring constantly for about a minute ensures that the garlic becomes fragrant and complements the dish beautifully.

Customizing Your Skillet

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli or snap peas can work well in place of green beans, while carrots will add a lovely sweetness. The bell pepper can be substituted with zucchini for a different texture or even left out entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor profile. This flexibility ensures you can use fresh, seasonal produce.

Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving can elevate the dish to new heights. These herbs contribute aromatic freshness and a vibrant color. Additionally, if you're looking for a spicy kick, a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving can enhance the flavor profile while introducing an exciting heat to the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients for your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and green beans, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.

Incorporate Pineapple

Add the pineapple chunks along with the soy sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water before adding it to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine with Rice

Fold in the cooked rice, mixing everything together until heated through. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, and enjoy your delightful one-pan meal!

Don’t forget to save some for leftovers—they taste even better the next day!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is great for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic ahead of time to cultivate deeper flavors. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add the vegetables and rice when you're ready to cook, as they are best fresh in terms of texture and color.

The cooked dish can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for leftovers. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dish appears too watery after adding the pineapple and soy sauce, consider cooking it a bit longer to let the excess moisture evaporate. You can also mix in more cornstarch to thicken the sauce if desired; just remember to dissolve it in a small amount of water before adding to prevent clumping.

Excessive sweetness from the pineapple can be balanced with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end. This will help brighten the flavors, making the dish more complex and enjoyable. Taste and adjust to your preference before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for pineapple?

Mango or peach chunks work great as substitutes for pineapple and will provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, and simply cook the rice the day you plan to serve it. It also reheats well!