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: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Meals

I absolutely love serving up dishes that are not only delicious but also make cleanup a breeze. One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice is one of those recipes that has quickly become a favorite in my household. Combining succulent chicken with sweet pineapple and savory rice, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s all made in one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Trust me, this is a dish worth trying!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:05:35.397Z

One evening, I decided to experiment with ingredients I had on hand, and that's when I came up with this flavorful One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice. The sweetness of the pineapple beautifully complements the savory chicken, creating a balanced meal that everyone loved. I usually serve this on busy weeknights, and the one-pan method keeps things simple and quick.

I've learned that using jasmine rice in this dish makes all the difference. It absorbs the flavors perfectly and gives the dish a lovely aroma. Adding a splash of soy sauce at the end enhances the overall taste even more. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors
Easy one-pan cooking for minimal cleanup
Perfect for family dinners and gatherings

Mastering the One-Pan Method

One of the standout features of this One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice recipe is the convenience of cooking everything in a single pan. This method not only saves on cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Start by using a large skillet or a Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution, which is crucial for cooking the chicken uniformly. A well-heated pan will give you that desirable golden-brown sear on the chicken, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

While cooking, it's important to pay attention to the timing of each step. For instance, when you sauté the chicken, allow it to sit undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a nice crust before stirring. This technique helps lock in juices, which contributes to the dish's overall succulent texture. Also, when adding the rice and broth, make sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the rice grains—this preserves the fluffy texture you're aiming for.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The jasmine rice is a great choice due to its fragrant, slightly sticky nature, which pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple and savory chicken. If jasmine rice is not available, you can substitute it with basmati rice, though the cooking time may slightly vary. Just make sure to rinse your rice beforehand to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy.

The pineapple adds not only sweetness but also acidity, which helps to brighten the dish. If you're looking for a more intense flavor, try using fresh pineapple instead of canned. You can also adjust the level of sweetness by adding a bit of brown sugar to the mix if desired. Make sure to keep an eye on the liquid levels while simmering; if it looks too dry, a splash of extra chicken broth can help maintain the right consistency for the rice.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For added texture, consider pairing it with a side of crispy stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad. The bright colors and crunch of veggies not only enhance the meal visually but also add a nutritional punch. Alternatively, you can serve the dish over a bed of steamed broccoli for an extra nutritious boost.

If you're looking to mix things up, try incorporating different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, to cater to various dietary preferences. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the new protein is cooked through. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process. This dish also stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep.

Ingredients

Ingredients for One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, for garnish

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a streamlined process!

Directions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes.

Combine Rice and Broth

Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, and pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Add Soy Sauce and Serve

Remove from heat, then stir in the soy sauce. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy the tropical flavors in your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding some chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for garnish. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers of One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents moisture buildup. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. If freezing, portion it out into individual servings to make reheating easier later on.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-10 minutes. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making this dish is the rice not cooking through properly, which can happen if the heat is too high or the pot is uncovered during simmering. Always make sure to adjust the heat to low once you bring the pot to a boil and cover it tightly to retain steam. If you encounter undercooked rice, add a little more broth and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Another concern is too much liquid, which may occur if you add more broth than required or if the lid is not properly sealed. If this happens, you can cook it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Keeping a close eye on the cooking process the first time you make this dish will help you troubleshoot effectively and achieve the desired texture.

Customizing Flavors

This recipe is a blank canvas for flavor customization. For a tangier profile, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or fresh lime juice just before serving. This brightens the dish even further and complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. If you're looking for herbaceous notes, fresh cilantro or basil can be used as a garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.

You can also play with different types of bell peppers depending on your preference. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter and add a colorful touch, while green peppers offer a slightly bitter note that balances the dish. Experimenting with these flavors will allow you to create a unique version of this recipe every time you make it!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and use more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat it before serving.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu or shrimp as a substitute for chicken if you're looking for a vegetarian or seafood option.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice for up to 2 months. Just ensure it's in an airtight container.