This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish brings bold tropical flavors to your dinner table in the most comforting way. It features juicy chicken pieces glazed in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce, all served over fluffy rice that soaks up every last drop of flavor. Perfectly balanced with both sweetness and a touch of savory depth, this one-pan meal is just what busy weeknights need.

Whether you’re craving a vacation-inspired dinner or just looking to shake things up from your regular chicken routine, this recipe checks all the boxes. The pineapple caramelizes slightly during cooking, giving every bite a burst of brightness. Plus, everything cooks up in a single pan—hello, easy cleanup!

What Kind of Pineapple Should I Use?

For best results, use canned pineapple chunks packed in juice (not syrup). The juice doubles as a natural sweetener for the sauce, keeping it bright and flavorful without being cloying. Fresh pineapple also works beautifully if you want a firmer texture, but make sure to add a splash of pineapple juice or even orange juice to the sauce for balance.

Ingredients for the Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup canned pineapple chunks (in juice), drained (reserve juice)
1/3 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cups cooked white rice (hot and ready to serve)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice (1)

How To Make the Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the bell pepper. Cook and stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pineapple and Chicken

Stir in the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 more minutes until heated through and coated in the glossy sauce.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over bowls of hot cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store This Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish right away while hot, ideally in bowls so the sauce stays nestled with the rice. It pairs well with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli if you want to round out the meal.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot, stirring between each burst. The flavors actually deepen the next day—making leftovers something to look forward to!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well too! Just be cautious not to overcook it to avoid dryness.

What other vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are all delicious add-ins. Add them when sautéing the bell pepper.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook everything except the rice in advance. Store the chicken and sauce in the fridge, then reheat and serve over freshly made rice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’re all set.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this tropical spin on dinner, try these other comforting chicken favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit this tropical comfort meal any time.

I love seeing how your meals turn out! Did you try it with brown rice or quinoa? Maybe added a little heat with chili flakes? Let me know how you made it your own in the comments.

And if you’re looking for more easy recipes, check out my Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily updates and meal inspiration.

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A tropical one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a savory glaze all served over fluffy white rice. Simple to make, vibrant in flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

3. In a small bowl, whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour into skillet. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Add pineapple chunks and cooked chicken to skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

5. Serve over hot cooked white rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.