Meta Description: This pineapple chicken rice skillet recipe is a perfect, easy, and healthy one-pan meal.1 Discover how to create a delicious, tropical-inspired dinner with a simple, savory sauce.
I’ve always been a bit of a homebody, but my love for travel and new experiences is undeniable. Since I can’t always jet off to a tropical island, I’ve found a way to bring those vibrant, sunny flavors into my kitchen. One night, I was craving a taste of the tropics. I had a few cans of pineapple, some chicken, and a little bit of rice. I decided to try to combine it all into one pan, hoping for a simple but flavorful meal. The result was a revelation. The sweetness of the pineapple, the savory chicken, and the fluffy rice all came together in a delicious, one-pan masterpiece.
From that night on, pineapple chicken rice skillet became my go-to dish when I wanted to feel like I was on vacation. It’s a meal that feels special and exotic but is actually incredibly easy to make. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the best part is that it all cooks in one pan, which means cleanup is a breeze.2 It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day and a taste of sunshine on a gray one. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel both comforted and clever for having created something so wonderful with so little effort.
This recipe is designed to bring a little bit of that tropical magic into your kitchen without a lot of fuss. It’s a testament to the fact that you can use simple ingredients to create something truly special. The key is in the layering of flavors—the savory chicken, the sweet pineapple, and the simple, aromatic rice. We’ll show you how to master the art of the one-pan meal and how to create a delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
🍍 The Magic of Pineapple in a Savory Dish
Pineapple is a fantastic ingredient to use in savory dishes.3 Its natural sweetness and acidity can cut through the richness of meat and add a bright, tropical flavor that is truly unique. For this pineapple chicken skillet, the pineapple is the star of the show.4
We’ll be using canned pineapple for this recipe. It’s a convenient, easy-to-use ingredient that is always ripe and ready to go. The pineapple juice is also a secret weapon. It will be used in the sauce to add a touch of sweetness and a hint of a tropical flavor. The pineapple chunks themselves, when cooked, become soft and caramelized, adding a beautiful texture and a burst of flavor in every bite.
A common mistake people make with pineapple in a savory dish is not balancing the flavors. We don’t want the dish to be overly sweet. We’ll be using a simple, savory sauce with soy sauce and a little bit of ginger and garlic to balance the sweetness of the pineapple. The result is a dish that is perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful.
🌟 Mastering the One-Pan Meal
The beauty of a pineapple chicken rice skillet is that it all cooks in one pan.5 This means less cleanup and a more flavorful meal. The key is in the layering of ingredients and the timing of each addition.
We’ll start by searing the chicken. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust and a ton of flavor at the bottom of the pan. We’ll then add our aromatics—onion, ginger, and garlic—and let them get fragrant. This is where we’ll build the foundation of our flavor. Once the aromatics are fragrant, we’ll add the rice, broth, and the savory sauce. The rice will cook in the chicken broth and the sauce, which will absorb all the beautiful flavors and create a dish that is both delicious and incredibly easy to make.
Finally, we’ll add the pineapple and a few other vegetables to the pan. We don’t want to overcook the pineapple or the vegetables. We just want them to be tender and warmed through. This layering process ensures every ingredient is cooked perfectly and the final dish is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and flexible. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables and adjust the spices to your liking.
- For the Skillet:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil6
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced7
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced8
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed9
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)10
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium11
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts
- A few lime wedges
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is incredibly fast and easy to make. You’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Prep the Chicken and Sauce: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.12 In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, honey, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.13 Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until it is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for one minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Broth: Add the rinsed rice and the diced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir for one minute. Pour in the chicken broth and the sauce. Stir to combine everything.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil.14 Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.15
- Finish and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pan. Add the pineapple chunks. Gently stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through. Remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of roasted cashews. Serve immediately with a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting
This is a very forgiving recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips.
Q: My rice is undercooked. What went wrong?
A: This is a common issue with one-pan rice dishes. Make sure you use a good, heavy-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid. Also, make sure you don’t lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This allows the steam to escape and can result in undercooked rice. If your rice is still a little al dente, you can add a little more broth, cover the pan, and let it simmer for a few more minutes.16
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Yes! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Sliced carrots, broccoli florets, or even some thinly sliced cabbage would all work beautifully. The key is to add the vegetables that take longer to cook first.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
A: Yes! Fresh pineapple would be delicious. Just make sure to use a very ripe pineapple and reserve some of the juice. You can also give it a quick sear in the pan before you add it to the dish to bring out its natural sweetness.
Q: Can I make this a high-protein meal?
A: Absolutely. This recipe is a great canvas for adding protein. You can add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or a few handfuls of cooked edamame. For a non-chicken option, some cooked shrimp or a plant-based protein like tofu would also be delicious.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations
This pineapple chicken rice skillet is a complete meal, but a few additions can take it to the next level.
- Pairings: This skillet meal is perfect on its own, but a simple side of steamed edamame or a light green salad would be a great addition.
- Garnishes: Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish. A sprinkle of roasted cashews or peanuts adds a delicious crunch. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges are also a must.
- Make It a Bowl: If you’re not in the mood for a skillet meal, you can turn this into a rice bowl. Simply cook the rice and chicken separately and then combine everything in a bowl with your favorite toppings.
- Sauce Variations:
- Spicy: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.17
- Creamy: A swirl of full-fat coconut milk at the end would make the sauce even richer and creamier.
- Tangy: A splash of rice vinegar or a little bit of fresh ginger would add a nice tangy flavor.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.18
✨ A Taste of the Tropics in Your Own Kitchen
This pineapple chicken rice skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a little bit of sunshine and tropical magic to your home. It’s a dish that’s healthy, satisfying, and perfectly delicious. The combination of the sweet pineapple, the savory chicken, and the fluffy rice is a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up simple ingredients and create a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Happy cooking!