Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is the weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but comes together in one pan with simple ingredients. Juicy chicken, tender bell pepper, and sweet pineapple chunks get coated in a glossy honey-soy sauce with cozy ginger and garlic flavor. Serve it over fluffy rice and you’ve got a bright, family-friendly meal that’s perfect when you need something quick and satisfying. It’s also easy to customize with extra veggies or a little heat. If you’re looking for an easy chicken and rice dinner with a sweet-and-savory twist, this recipe is a must-save!

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Small bowl (for sauce)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add pepper: Stir in diced bell pepper and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. 😊
  3. Add pineapple: Mix in pineapple chunks and cook 2 minutes more.
  4. Whisk sauce: In a small bowl, whisk reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger until smooth.
  5. Simmer: Pour sauce into skillet and stir to coat. Simmer uncovered 4–5 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. ✨
  6. Serve: Spoon over rice (or serve rice on the side). Top with green onions or sesame seeds if you like!

Pro Tips

  • Want it thicker? Simmer 1–2 minutes longer, stirring often.
  • Add veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini work great.
  • Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Meal prep: Store chicken mixture and rice separately up to 3 days.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl42032g55g9g3g14g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet

A one-pan weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, bell pepper, and pineapple chunks tossed in a sweet-savory honey-soy ginger sauce. Serve over rice for takeout-style flavor at home.
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can pineapple chunks (15 oz), drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • Small bowl (for sauce)
  • whisk or fork
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add diced bell pepper and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Stir in pineapple chunks and cook 2 minutes more.
  4. Whisk reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger in a small bowl.
  5. Pour sauce into skillet and stir to coat. Simmer uncovered 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  6. Serve over rice or with rice on the side. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 32gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 530mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

Use leftover rice to speed things up. Simmer sauce a little longer if needed to thicken. For extra veggies, try snap peas or carrots. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.

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Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Skillet is sweet, savory, and quick an easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want takeout vibes at home.