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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Juicy, Balanced, and Family-Friendly

If you love meals that hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is going to win you over instantly. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple come together in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s comforting, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. Every bite delivers a contrast of flavors: the natural sweetness of pineapple, the savory depth of seasoned chicken, and the hearty comfort of rice. This dish is inspired by Asian-style chicken bowls but adapted for healthy home cooking. It’s cooked in one pan, easy to customize, and ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients while delivering bold flavor—no frying, no alcohol, and no complicated steps. If you enjoy sweet and savory chicken recipes, pineapple dinners, and easy rice meals, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1½ lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
Fruit & Vegetables
  • 1½ cups pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 green onions sliced
Grains
  • 2 cups white rice cooked
Sauce Base
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
Aromatics & Seasoning
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
Fats
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Ingredient Notes:
  • Pineapple adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
  • Coconut aminos keep the dish lighter and lower in sodium.
  • Fresh pineapple gives brighter flavor but canned works well too.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Medium saucepan (if cooking rice separately)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tip: A wide skillet allows the sauce to reduce properly and coat the chicken evenly.

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. Coconut aminos
  3. Honey
  4. Rice vinegar
  5. Pineapple juice
  6. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces in a single layer.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground ginger.
  4. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Vegetables & Pineapple
  1. Stir in bell pepper and pineapple chunks.
  2. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
  1. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
  2. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Combine with Rice
  1. Add cooked rice to the skillet.
  2. Gently fold until rice is evenly coated with sauce and ingredients are well distributed.
  3. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
Step 7: Finish
  1. Remove from heat.
  2. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
  3. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
Add a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed
Tip: This dish is excellent for meal prep and stays flavorful.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Pineapple Chicken
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower rice
Extra Veggies
Add broccoli or snap peas
Extra Saucy
Double the sauce ingredients
Meal Prep Bowls
Portion with rice and garnish separately
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this dish very sweet?
No, it’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s balanced, protein-rich, and not fried.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just drain well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, as it simmers.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, sweet and mild.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely.
What goes well with it?
Steamed vegetables or a light salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice recipe is everything a comforting meal should be—flavorful, balanced, and easy to make. With juicy chicken, tender rice, and bursts of pineapple sweetness, it’s a dish that satisfies both cravings and busy schedules.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a household favorite.