One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple

Name: One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup green peas, frozen

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Cooking

I absolutely love this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple recipe! It combines tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and sweet, juicy pineapple that makes every bite feel like a tropical getaway. Preparing this dish is a breeze; everything cooks together in one pan, infusing the rice with all those incredible flavors. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:46:18.620Z

When I first tried this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple, I was surprised at how well the flavors blended together. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly contrasts with the savory chicken and seasoned rice, creating a balanced meal that is both comforting and exciting. I remember adding a touch of soy sauce for an umami boost, which really elevated the dish.

One of my favorite tips is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together while the rice absorbs any remaining juices from the chicken and pineapple, ensuring every bite is delicious. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
A quick and easy one-pan meal, perfect for busy nights
Tropical flair with juicy pineapple adds excitement to your dinner

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple plays a crucial role in building the dish's unique flavor profile. The chicken thighs provide rich, juicy protein that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory chicken broth. For those looking to lighten the dish, chicken breast can be substituted, but be mindful to adjust cooking times to avoid dryness—typically, breasts will cook a bit faster, needing about 4-5 minutes per side.

Jasmine rice is not only fragrant but also sticky enough to absorb the flavors from the chicken and broth, creating a cohesive dish. If jasmine rice is unavailable, you can replace it with basmati rice, although it may require a slightly different water-to-rice ratio. Keep an eye on the cooking time as basmati rice generally cooks faster; you might need closer to 15-18 minutes on low heat.

Perfecting Your Cooking Technique

Searing the chicken properly is essential for depth of flavor. Heat the olive oil until shimmering but not smoking before adding the chicken; this ensures a golden-brown crust, which adds richness to the dish. If you're worried about burning, reduce the heat slightly after the first few minutes; it’s better to cook more slowly than risk the chicken getting too charred.

When combining the ingredients, ensure you stir well to distribute the rice evenly and avoid clumping. The goal is for each grain to be coated with the soy sauce and broth mix, which enhances the overall taste. You’ll know it's ready to cover and simmer when the mixture starts to bubble. Keep the lid on tight during simmering to trap steam, which is crucial for thoroughly cooking the rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
2 cups chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green peas, frozen

Instructions

How to Make One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the jasmine rice, pineapple chunks, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Dish

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a colorful dish.

Storage and Meal Prep

This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple is a fantastic meal prep option. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider preparing the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic, then store them separately until ready to cook. This dish can also be made in batches and refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove or microwave to avoid overcooking the rice.

For freezing leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a pop of color and extra nutrients. Adding these vegetables during the sautéing phase helps to infuse their flavors while ensuring they maintain a slight crunch. If you're a fan of heat, diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a spicy kick, which contrasts well with the sweetness of the pineapple.

If you're looking to experiment with flavors, consider swapping the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos. This not only changes the flavor profile but also makes the dish gluten-free with the right selection. Just be mindful of the added sugar content in some teriyaki sauces, and consider adjusting the pineapple quantity for a balanced sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly since it takes longer to cook.

→ Is this dish freezable?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works great! Just make sure to cut it into chunks.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a light salad or some steamed broccoli for a nutritious meal.