The vibrant and mouthwatering combo of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers all brought together in a savory, sticky sauce makes this dish irresistible. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something bold in flavor yet quick to make. The real magic lies in the sweet and tangy glaze that coats every bite, pairing beautifully with the fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice. This recipe hits the perfect balance between comfort food and light, tropical indulgence. It’s family-friendly, meal prep-approved, and sure to become a weekly staple.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
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2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
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Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
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Return the chicken to the skillet. Add pineapple chunks.
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In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir well.
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Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and veggies.
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Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Taste of the Tropics in Every Bite
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a beloved fusion dish that brings the bright, sunny flavors of the tropics right into your kitchen. The sweetness of pineapple, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the savory sear of juicy chicken thighs create a meal that’s vibrant, comforting, and full of texture and color. It’s a dish that feels exotic and exciting, yet it’s easy enough to make on a busy weekday night.
Rooted in Asian-inspired cooking, this dish echoes the sweet and sour balance commonly found in Chinese and Hawaiian cuisine. Whether you’re craving something fresh, fruity, and savory or looking for a meal that will please the whole family, Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers a taste that’s both familiar and surprising.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
One of the biggest draws of this recipe is its perfect balance of flavors. Sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with soy sauce and garlic to create a glaze that’s both sticky and savory. Unlike overly sugary takes on sweet-and-sour chicken, this version is more balanced—enhanced with honey and rice vinegar to bring out brightness without overpowering the dish.
Using chicken thighs adds a depth of richness that makes every bite juicy and flavorful. Paired with lightly sautéed bell peppers and onions, it’s a satisfying mix of protein, veggies, and natural sweetness. Served over warm jasmine or basmati rice, the final dish is hearty without being heavy, making it an ideal one-bowl meal.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What’s impressive about this recipe is that it uses mostly pantry staples—soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch—plus a few fresh ingredients like bell peppers, pineapple, and chicken. These accessible elements make it a low-fuss meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Don’t have fresh pineapple on hand? Canned chunks work just as well. You can even use pre-cooked rice or frozen veggies to speed things up, without sacrificing quality. Flexibility is one of the best features of this dish—it adapts to your schedule, your pantry, and your dietary needs.
Health Benefits of Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it’s also filled with nutritional benefits. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, which support immune health and digestion. Chicken thighs, while slightly higher in fat than breast meat, provide a richer taste and are packed with protein that keeps you feeling full and energized.
The addition of colorful bell peppers adds antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin A, and using jasmine or basmati rice keeps the meal light and easily digestible. With minimal added sugars and just a touch of healthy fats from sesame oil, this recipe is well-balanced and nourishing.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
Picky eaters? No problem. The naturally sweet flavors of pineapple and honey make this dish appealing to both kids and adults. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds—and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Because everything is cooked in one pan (aside from the rice), it’s also an easy cleanup dinner. That’s a win for busy parents, meal preppers, and anyone who wants a delicious meal without the pile of dishes.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish is a dream for meal preppers. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen as the dish sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Store in airtight containers and pair with extra steamed rice or even quinoa for variation.
You can also freeze portions in meal prep containers. Just make sure to cool the food before freezing, and it will stay good for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce and restore its texture.
Easy to Customize
One of the best things about Pineapple Chicken and Rice is how versatile it is. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some snap peas, broccoli, or shredded carrots. Prefer it spicy? Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Looking for a low-carb version? Serve it over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups. You can even swap chicken thighs for tofu or shrimp for a completely different twist while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.
Cultural Influence and Inspiration
Pineapple Chicken isn’t rooted in a single traditional cuisine but is more of a global fusion recipe. It draws heavily from Asian-American and Hawaiian culinary styles—particularly sweet and sour Chinese stir-fries and tropical Pacific flavors.
In Hawaii, pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and abundance. Incorporating it into savory dishes reflects the cultural appreciation for blending sweet fruits with salty and savory elements, creating meals that are comforting, bold, and festive.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Once you make this recipe, you’ll realize it checks so many boxes. It’s quick, flavorful, healthy, affordable, and a hit with virtually every palate. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, and you’ll always feel like you’re serving something special.
The vibrant colors and rich aroma make it feel like a treat, even though it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for casual dinners, potlucks, or even as a meal-prep staple. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Conclusion
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is more than just a delicious dinner—it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, global inspiration, and balanced flavors can come together to create a meal that’s comforting, vibrant, and full of joy. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, this recipe brings a burst of sunshine to the table. Easy, healthy, customizable, and utterly satisfying—this is a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
