A vibrant one-skillet dinner that’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of zingy—perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike!
Hey there, friend! I’m so glad you dropped by today because this recipe is truly one of those weeknight miracles that checks all the boxes: easy, fast, wholesome, and absolutely packed with flavor.
This Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet brings the perfect harmony of tropical sweetness, savory soy, and a gentle kick of ginger. It’s comforting, colorful, and made in just one pan—because we all deserve a break from dish duty. 🙌
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What Is Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet?
Think of this dish as a tropical stir-fry-meets-fried-rice fusion that doesn’t require a wok or takeout menu. We’re talking golden-brown chicken, sautéed veggies, aromatic jasmine rice, juicy pineapple chunks, and a bold soy-ginger glaze—all simmered to perfection in one cozy skillet.
Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Wonder
- 🥘 One pan = less mess
- 🍍 Sweet + savory = flavor explosion
- ⏱️ Ready in just 35 minutes
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly, adult-approved
- 🌿 Totally customizable with what you have on hand
The Flavor Breakdown
This dish is an experience:
- The pineapple brings a juicy, caramelized sweetness
- Soy and ginger create a deep umami richness
- Toasted rice adds a nutty backdrop
- And the garlic, onion, and red bell pepper round out the savory-sweet balance beautifully
Every bite is a little tropical vacation—and still hearty enough to fill up the hungriest of eaters.
Nutrition & Comfort Combined
- ✅ Lean protein from chicken breast
- ✅ Vitamin-rich red bell pepper
- ✅ Ginger = anti-inflammatory boost
- ✅ Naturally dairy-free
- ✅ Balanced macros with protein, carbs, and healthy fats
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Tools You’ll Need 🔧
- Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for ginger
Substitutions & Add-Ins
- No jasmine rice? Basmati or long-grain white rice works too.
- Try canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available—just drain it well.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Want more veg? Add peas, carrots, or snap peas during the last 5 minutes.
- No sesame seeds? Toasted cashews or slivered almonds make a great crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions 🍳
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Toast the Rice
Stir in the uncooked jasmine rice and toast for 1–2 minutes to develop a nutty depth of flavor.
4️⃣ Add the Liquid Gold
Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Stir everything well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5️⃣ Simmer to Perfection
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6️⃣ Finish with Pineapple & Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with pineapple chunks. Stir to combine and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
7️⃣ Season & Garnish
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Top with green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.
What to Serve With This Dish
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re in the mood to add something extra, try it with:
- 🥗 A crisp Asian cucumber salad
- 🫓 Warm naan or flatbread
- 🥢 Steamed edamame with sea salt
- 🍋 A squeeze of fresh lime for brightness
Tips for Skillet Success 🌟
- Use a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture when simmering the rice.
- Dice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Toasting the rice briefly adds a restaurant-style depth of flavor.
- Leftovers? They’re even better the next day. (Pro tip: reheat with a splash of broth!)
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water, or warm in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
❓ Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.
❓ Is this gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, yes!
❓ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase the simmer time to 35–40 minutes and add a bit more broth.
In Summary
This Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet is your new go-to for fast, flavorful, and fuss-free dinners. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it all comes together in one glorious pan—no extra sides required. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with zero stress.
More One-Pan Favorites You’ll Love:
- 🍋 [Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet]
- 🌶️ [Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice]
- 🥦 [Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry with Veggies]
💬 Let’s Stay in Touch!
Made this recipe? I love seeing your creations! Leave a review below, pin it on Pinterest, or tag me in your delicious dinner pics. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
🍽️ Nutritional Info (per serving):
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
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