This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice in a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of spice—ready in 35 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp sesame oil
For Garnish
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; cook 5–7 mins until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Toast the Rice
- In the same skillet, add rice and toast 1–2 mins (enhances nutty flavor).
3. Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well.
- Add pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and cooked chicken.
4. Cook Covered
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–18 mins (no peeking!) until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let sit 5 mins (steam finishes the rice).
5. Garnish & Serve
- Fluff rice with a fork; top with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
FAQs & Tips
Q: Can I use brown rice?
✅ Yes! Adjust liquid to 2 cups broth and cook 40+ mins.
Q: How to make it spicier?
🌶️ Add extra sriracha or ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
✅ Yes! Thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat with a splash of broth).
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (thaw overnight in fridge).
Q: What to serve with it?
🍽 Pair with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Crispy wonton strips
- A tropical salad
Why You’ll Love It
✨ Sweet + savory + spicy in every bite
✨ One-pan = easy cleanup
✨ Meal-prep friendly
Nutrition (per serving): ~420 kcal | Protein: 28g
This tropical-inspired skillet is a weeknight lifesaver—bursting with flavor and ready in a flash! 🌴
Pro Tip: For extra umami, add 1 tbsp fish sauce to the simmering liquid! 🎣
