One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Recipes

I love creating vibrant dishes that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious, and this One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect example. The tropical sweetness of pineapple brings a delightful contrast to the savory chicken and perfectly cooked rice. With minimal cleanup and a splash of color on the plate, it's a great dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, the aromatic spices elevate the flavor without overwhelming the palate, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:37:35.896Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of combining pineapple with chicken, I was hesitant. However, cooking it all in one pan made the process surprisingly simple. After a few tries, I discovered that marinating the chicken in the juices and spices before cooking adds depth and ensures tenderness.

As I served this dish to family and friends, I loved watching their faces light up with each bite. The sweet and savory blend with fluffy rice truly makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, the leftovers are just as good!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Tropical sweetness that brightens the dish
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade is essential for imparting flavor into the chicken. When mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, aim for a balance where the sweetness of the honey complements the saltiness of the soy sauce. This mixture should be thick enough to cling to the chicken; if it’s too runny, consider adding an extra tablespoon of honey to achieve that sticky glaze. Allowing your chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes gives the flavors time to penetrate. For an even more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

One key to avoiding bland chicken is ensuring that every piece is evenly coated with the marinade. I recommend using a resealable plastic bag for this. Once the chicken is in the bag, you can massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring maximum coverage. This not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it moist while cooking.

Achieving The Perfect Rice Texture

Toasting the jasmine rice before adding the liquid is a crucial technique that enhances the nutty flavor of the rice. You should see the rice turn slightly opaque and smell a fragrant aroma after about 1-2 minutes in the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to stir, preventing the rice from sticking to the pan. Be mindful not to let the rice burn; a consistent medium heat will help create those toasty notes without char.

When adding the chicken broth and pineapple, make sure to stir gently to combine but avoid overmixing, which can lead to mushy rice. Once the chicken is nestled back into the skillet, ensure the lid fits tightly. This traps steam, which is crucial for the rice to cook properly. If you find yourself with excess liquid after 25 minutes, turn up the heat slightly uncovered to evaporate the liquid quickly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth and pineapple chunks, stirring to combine.

Combine and Cook

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with green onions before serving.

Pro Tips

Ensure that the chicken is marinated well for a deeper flavor. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference. Experimenting with different vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas can also enhance the dish.

Recipe Variations

This One Pan Pineapple Chicken and Rice can easily accommodate various ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas, adjusting the cooking time to ensure they become soft yet retain their shape. You can also switch jasmine rice for brown rice; just be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time, typically about 40-50 minutes with additional liquid.

For those who enjoy a kick, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. This will introduce a subtle heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the pineapple without overpowering the dish. You can also experiment with other fruits like mango or peach, which can add their unique flavor profiles while keeping the tropical theme.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them correctly will maintain the quality of the dish. Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, the stove is preferable to the microwave, as it ensures even heating—just add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

To reheat, use medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring between to ensure even warming.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of lime juice for a zesty finish.

→ Can I substitute chicken with tofu?

Absolutely! Marinate and prepare the tofu in the same manner for a delicious plant-based alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat smoothly on the stovetop or in the microwave.