Few dinners strike the perfect balance between bold flavor and weeknight simplicity quite like Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice. This dish brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce that coats every bite, all served over fluffy rice. It’s comforting, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Inspired by Asian-inspired sweet-and-savory flavor profiles, this pineapple chicken recipe leans on contrast. The natural sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a sauce that feels vibrant rather than heavy. The result is a dinner that’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and ideal for busy evenings.

Even better, this recipe can be made in a single pan for the chicken and sauce, keeping cleanup minimal while flavor stays big.

Why Pineapple Chicken Works So Well

Pineapple isn’t just sweet—it’s also acidic, which helps tenderize the chicken and balance savory elements. When cooked briefly, pineapple caramelizes slightly, intensifying its flavor without becoming mushy. Combined with a simple cornstarch-thickened sauce, it creates that irresistible takeout-style glaze many home cooks crave.

This dish also adapts easily. Serve it as a bowl, wrap it in lettuce, or spoon it over noodles instead of rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil

For Serving:

3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
Cook rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
Coat the Chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Pineapple & Vegetables:
Stir in pineapple chunks and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Make the Sauce:
Whisk soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour into skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine Everything:
Return chicken to skillet and toss until sauce thickens and coats evenly, about 2–3 minutes.
Serve:
Spoon pineapple chicken over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken

Don’t Overcook Pineapple: Add it after the chicken to preserve texture.
Use Fresh Ginger: Adds brightness and depth.
Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar slightly if using very sweet pineapple.
Sauce Too Thick?: Add a splash of water or pineapple juice.

Variations

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Vegetable-Heavy Version: Add snap peas, broccoli, or carrots.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken: Grill chicken and pineapple, then toss with sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This one pan chicken rice meal pairs well with simple sides like steamed broccoli, Asian cucumber salad, or egg rolls. It also works beautifully as a meal-prep bowl for lunches.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Sauce may thicken when chilled—stir before reheating.

Flavor Inspiration

Sweet-and-savory chicken dishes appear across many cuisines, from Chinese-American classics to tropical island-inspired meals. Pineapple adds brightness and familiarity, making this dish approachable while still exciting.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice delivers bold, balanced flavor with weeknight ease. Sweet, savory, colorful, and comforting, it’s a dinner that feels special without being complicated—and one that earns a regular spot in the rotation.