Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet

Name: Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 lb chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Around the World Recipes

I absolutely love creating meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare, and this Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet is a perfect example. With its vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that brightens any dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and perfectly cooked rice creates a comforting yet exotic meal. Plus, the one-skillet method means I get to spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the food with my family. It’s simply a win-win!

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:53:36.491Z

During one of my busy weeknights, I decided to experiment with a quick and flavorful dish, and that’s how this Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet came to life. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and rice, balancing the dish perfectly. I learned that allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce beforehand really enhances its flavor and tenderness.

One tip I found helpful is to use jasmine rice for its aromatic qualities, which elevate the dish's appeal. I also love adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end for a pop of freshness. This meal quickly became a staple in my household!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The sweet and savory combination creates a delightful flavor explosion.
It's a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick prep and cooking time means you can enjoy dinner without a lengthy wait.

Getting the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet is crucial for a delightful dining experience. The chicken should be tender and juicy, cooked just right without becoming dry. To avoid this, be mindful of your heat level—medium heat is ideal for cooking chicken evenly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and look for golden edges, which indicate great browning and flavor development.

The vegetables play a key role in providing crunch and freshness. When sautéing the onion and bell peppers, keep an eye out for them becoming slightly softened yet still vibrant in color, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don't overcook them, as you want to preserve their texture and nutritional value, which can diminish when they turn mushy.

Flavor Enhancements

The balance of sweet and savory in this dish is achieved not just through the pineapple and soy sauce but also with the choice of seasonings and additional ingredients. You can enhance the flavor further by adding a splash of sweet chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat. These additions complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully and can easily be adjusted based on your preference.

I find that marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a little pineapple juice for 30 minutes prior to cooking can intensify the flavors. The acidity from the juice helps to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with that delicious flavor profile you'll enjoy throughout the dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 lb chicken breasts, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or different types of protein.

Cooking Steps

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute.

Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Mix in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce, allowing everything to heat through.

Combine with Rice

Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the rice absorb the flavors.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet!

Enjoy Your Meal

Pair this dish with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and vegetables early in the day and simply mix everything with the rice when you're ready to eat. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, preserving both flavor and texture. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

If you plan to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them in short bursts to prevent drying out. You can add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to help revitalize the dish and keep it moist.

Variations to Try

There are many delightful variations you can experiment with for this recipe. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas; they both absorb flavors well and add protein. You can also try using brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice for a heartier base with added fiber.

Seasonally, swapping in vegetables like snap peas or zucchini can add vibrancy and different textures to your skillet. Each variation offers a new twist while still keeping the core flavors of this delightful dish intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw and dice it before cooking.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.