One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple

Name: One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Cooking Corner

When I first discovered the combination of chicken, rice, and pineapple, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple is not just a meal, it’s an experience. The sweet and savory flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that is both comforting and tropical. I love how simple it is to prepare, allowing me to enjoy more time with my family rather than being stuck in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknights or even entertaining guests, all from a single pan!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:49:14.318Z

My journey to perfecting this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple started with an overabundance of fresh pineapples during summer. I wanted to create a dish that celebrates their sweetness and could bring a bit of sunshine to our dinner table. After several attempts, I found that toasting the rice before adding the broth enhances its nuttiness and prevents it from becoming mushy.

The key to making this dish sing is to let the chicken brown a bit before adding in the rice and pineapple. It creates a depth of flavor that transforms the entire meal. Plus, the use of a single pan means not only easy cooking but effortless cleanup, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—enjoying great food together.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Tropical sweetness from fresh pineapple
Savory chicken that absorbs all the flavors
Convenient one-pan preparation for easy cleanup

The Role of Pineapple

Pineapple is not just a sweet addition to this dish; it plays a crucial role in balancing flavors. The acidity in pineapple helps to tenderize the chicken while imparting a tropical sweetness that enhances the overall taste. When cooked, the pineapple chunks caramelize slightly, contributing a beautiful depth of flavor. Fresh pineapple is ideal, but if you use canned, make sure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the rice texture.

Incorporating pineapple also adds a colorful vibrancy to your dish. This bright yellow fruit will not only elevate the visual appeal but also introduce a juicy, burst of sweetness with each bite. If you want to experiment, consider adding other fruits like mango or raisins for an interesting twist, but be mindful of their sugar content and how that may alter the balance of flavors.

Mastering One-Pan Cooking

The beauty of this One Pan Chicken and Rice recipe lies in its simplicity and the ease of cleanup. It's essential to choose a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that distributes heat evenly. This ensures that the chicken browns without burning and the rice cooks uniformly. You want a pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture, particularly during the simmering stage, which helps the rice to steam properly.

Another tip for successful one-pan meals is to layer your ingredients correctly. Sautéing the vegetables first allows them to release their flavors into the oil before the rice absorbs them, creating a fragrant base. When combining the chicken, rice, and broth, ensure the rice is submerged fully in liquid to prevent it from drying out. If you notice too much liquid remains after the cooking time, increase the heat slightly and keep the pan covered, allowing everything to come together perfectly.

Serving and Storing Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for easy meals later. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For an attractive presentation when serving, consider transferring the chicken and rice to a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, which add both color and a mild onion flavor. You might also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you begin to simplify the cooking process.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Feel free to customize the veggies according to your preference!

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal!

Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the vegetable mixture and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.

Combine Everything

Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, then add the cooked chicken and pineapple. Mix well, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lime juice just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this recipe lighter, skinless chicken breast can be swapped for the thighs. However, be cautious not to overcook the chicken as breasts can dry out faster. Consider marinating the chicken ahead of time in a mixture of soy sauce and pineapple juice to enhance flavor and tenderness.

For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh, adjusting the cooking time to ensure it absorbs flavor without falling apart. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious twist, but be aware that it may change the liquid-to-grain ratios slightly.

Make-Ahead Tips

To maximize your meal prep, this dish can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and rice mixture until just before the simmering step, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply bring it to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and reduce to low, proceeding as normal. This will save you time on busy weeknights.

If you prefer to freeze portions, let the cooked dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a skillet on the stove, adding a little liquid if needed to regain moisture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your rice isn't cooking properly, double-check the liquid ratio. Different brands of rice can absorb varying amounts of liquid, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended amount for your specific type. If the rice remains hard, add a little extra broth, cover, and simmer for a few more minutes until fully cooked.

Another common issue is the chicken not browning as desired. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps achieve that golden crust. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of brown. It's better to cook in batches if you're dealing with larger quantities to achieve perfect browning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time significantly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat it before serving. Just add a little extra broth to keep it moist.

→ Can I substitute chicken with something else?

Yes, you can use shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to enhance the dish.