Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Published: February 22, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total time, this dish fits perfectly into your weeknight routine.
Flavorful Combination: The sweet and tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce elevates the chicken, making each bite burst with flavor.
Beautiful Presentation: Serving the dish in pineapple boats not only looks stunning but also adds a fresh taste.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out chicken for turkey or beef, adapting it to your preferences.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and nutrients from fresh ingredients, this meal is both satisfying and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing the Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe even easier. Here are some essential items to gather before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Skillet or frying pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping chicken and other ingredients quick and safe.
Skillet or frying pan: This allows for even cooking of the chicken while developing flavors in the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that every ingredient contributes perfectly to the overall flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Boats

1 medium pineapple (with 1 cup of pineapple chunks reserved)

For the Chicken Mixture

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp cooking oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, olive oil etc.)
1 cup pineapple chunks (from the pineapple boats)
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup water
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ginger powder
3 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
3 garlic cloves (minced)

For Serving

2 cups cooked rice (brown rice or white rice)
1 green onion (chopped)
½ tsp sesame seeds

How to Make Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Boats

Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise.
Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about half an inch around the edges to form a boat.
Reserve one cup of pineapple chunks for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season chopped chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet.
Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Make Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger powder, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and reserved pineapple chunks.
Pour this mixture over cooked chicken in the skillet.
Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Serve

Spoon cooked rice into each pineapple boat.
Top with teriyaki chicken mixture.
Garnish with chopped green onion and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe, combining vibrant flavors with healthy ingredients!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Serving Pineapple Chicken With Rice is a delightful experience that combines flavors and colors beautifully. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dish.

Use Pineapple Boats

Serve the chicken and rice inside the hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical presentation that impresses guests.

Add Fresh Herbs

Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for an added burst of freshness and vibrancy.

Serve with Lime Wedges

Adding lime wedges on the side can provide a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

Pair with a Simple Salad

A light cucumber or mixed greens salad can balance the richness of the dish, adding crunch and freshness.

Include Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado slices can enhance the texture and add healthy fats, making your meal more satisfying.

Offer Extra Sauce

Prepare extra teriyaki sauce to drizzle over each serving, allowing everyone to customize their flavor experience.

How to Perfect Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Perfecting your Pineapple Chicken With Rice involves some simple techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Choose ripe pineapple: Selecting a ripe pineapple will enhance sweetness and flavor in your dish.
Marinate chicken: Allowing chicken to soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking will deepen its flavor.
Cook rice properly: Use the correct water-to-rice ratio for fluffy rice that complements your chicken well.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar levels according to your preference for balance.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger aroma and taste compared to powdered garlic.
Add veggies: Incorporating bell peppers or snap peas can add color, nutrition, and crunch to your pineapple chicken dish.

Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Complementing your Pineapple Chicken With Rice with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

Steamed Broccoli
A vibrant green side that adds nutrients and balances flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Coconut Rice
Add shredded coconut to rice during cooking for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries provide a comforting contrast to the savory chicken while adding sweetness.
Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots offers crunch and tanginess that enhances every bite.
Grilled Zucchini
Lightly grilled zucchini seasoned with herbs brings out natural flavors while keeping it healthy.
Mango Salsa
A fresh mango salsa adds another layer of tropical flavor, making it a perfect match for your dish.
Garlic Green Beans
Sautéed green beans with garlic create an aromatic side that’s quick to prepare and deliciously crunchy.
Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate after enjoying savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to overlook the importance of precise measurements. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are accurate for the best results.
Don’t forget about marinating the chicken. Allowing the chicken to soak in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor significantly.
Avoid using overripe pineapple. Make sure your pineapple is fresh and firm; overripe fruit can alter the texture and taste of your dish.
Watch out for burning garlic. Add minced garlic later in the cooking process to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
Be cautious with cooking time. Overcooking chicken can make it dry; always check that it’s cooked through but still juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for added fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as brown rice generally takes longer to cook.

What can I serve with Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition.

Is it possible to make Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken With Rice Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!