One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple

Name: One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Stories

I absolutely love this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple recipe. It's a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that come together seamlessly in one dish. The juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and tropical pineapple complement each other perfectly. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it's also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Trust me; once you try it, you'll want to add it to your regular rotation.

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:55:14.288Z

When I first attempted to create this dish, I wasn't sure how the pineapple would pair with the chicken. However, after the first bite, I was hooked. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the savory flavors beautifully, creating a dish that feels both comforting and exotic. I've found that using fresh pineapple really elevates the dish, but canned can work in a pinch if you drain it well.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Cooking everything in one pan not only saves on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld as they cook together. I recommend adjusting the spices to fit your taste; a hint of cayenne can add a nice kick if you like a bit more heat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect blend of savory chicken and tropical pineapple
One pan means easy cleanup and less effort in the kitchen
Ideal for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner

The Role of Pineapple

Pineapple not only adds a delightful sweetness to this dish, but it also brings acidity, which helps to balance the richness of the chicken. When cooked, the pineapple chunks soften and infuse the rice with a hint of tropical flavor, making each bite a mini-vacation. Choosing a can of pineapple in juice rather than syrup can help maintain a lighter profile, allowing the savory notes of the dish to shine through without excessive sweetness.

If you have fresh pineapple on hand, feel free to substitute it in! Just peel, core, and cut it into similar-sized chunks, and add it to the skillet along with the rice. Fresh pineapple can enhance the dish further by providing a firmer texture and a burst of freshness that complements the tender chicken and fluffy rice beautifully.

Perfecting Your Rice

Achieving perfectly cooked rice is crucial for this dish. Make sure the rice you use is long-grain, as it tends to stay fluffy and separate when cooked. Be cautious not to stir the rice too much after adding it to the broth, as this can release starch and create a gummy texture. Instead, gently fluff it with a fork once cooked to bring the grains back to life.

Using the right amount of broth is key. For every cup of rice, ensure you’re using two cups of liquid. If you're looking for added flavor, consider using a flavored broth or bouillon instead of plain water. This will enhance the overall taste profile, infusing the rice with a blend of savory, aromatic notes as it cooks.

Tips for Variations and Storage

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or even snap peas can increase the nutritional value and add pops of color. You can toss them in during the sautéing step for a couple of minutes so they soften slightly but still maintain some crunch. For a spicy twist, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sweet chili sauce as you combine the rice and broth.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture. This dish also freezes well; simply portion it out in airtight containers, and it can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to defrost fully before reheating to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple:

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Cook

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!

Now sit back and enjoy your delicious dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger for a couple of hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple can be served as a standout main dish with minimal fuss. If you’re looking to elevate the dining experience, pair it with a simple side salad of mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette. This adds brightness and additional textures to your meal without stealing the spotlight from the main dish.

For a fun twist, consider serving the chicken on a bed of coconut rice instead of plain rice. The creamy coconut flavor beautifully complements the pineapple and enhances the tropical vibe of the dish.

Cooking Tools

For this recipe, a large skillet with a lid is essential. A cast-iron skillet is great for searing the chicken, as it distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a nice golden crust. If you don’t have a lid that fits, you can cover the pan with aluminum foil, but keep it tightly sealed to trap steam and moisture while the rice cooks.

Having a good set of measuring cups and a wooden spoon or spatula can help you manage the ingredients and stir without scratching your skillet. A kitchen timer is also handy for keeping track of cooking times so that each ingredient reaches its perfect doneness.

Adjusting Portions

If you need to scale this recipe up or down, the ratios of rice to broth should always remain the same: 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid. For a smaller portion, you can easily half the ingredients, and for a larger gathering, double them. Just ensure you have a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the increased volume while maintaining even cooking.

Consider adjusting the seasonings accordingly, especially the soy sauce, as more rice and chicken will absorb the flavor at different rates. Start with the recommended amount, taste, and adjust as necessary to keep the overall flavor profile balanced and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more broth, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu for a vegetarian option or substitute with pork or shrimp, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and cook the dish ahead, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is a complete meal, but you could pair it with a light salad or Asian-inspired side dishes like steamed veggies.