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

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple recipe! It's a delightful blend of savory chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet pineapple, all cooked together in one pan. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it so appealing; there's minimal cleanup required, and the flavors meld beautifully. Whenever I make this meal, my family gathers around the table, eager to dig in. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and it’s become a staple in our household for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:31:16.935Z

During one busy weeknight, I decided to whip up a meal that wouldn’t take much time but still deliver on flavor. I stumbled upon combining chicken and rice with pineapple, and it was a match made in heaven! The sweetness from the pineapple perfectly balances the savory chicken, creating a dish that satisfied everyone’s palate.

What truly made this recipe shine was the one-pan approach. I sautéed the chicken first to develop a golden-brown crust, then added rice and pineapple, letting it simmer together. This method allowed the rice to absorb all that delicious flavor, making each bite absolutely delicious. I can't recommend trying it enough!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory chicken infused with pineapple sweetness
Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pan
Perfectly balanced flavors that delight the palate

Searing the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

The first step involves searing the chicken thighs, which is crucial for building a rich flavor base. By cooking them on medium heat until they achieve a golden brown crust, around 5-7 minutes per side, you're developing those beautiful caramelized notes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as that could lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than searing. If needed, cook the chicken in batches for optimal results.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet to prevent overcooking. This step is essential because overcooked chicken can become dry, ruining the dish's overall texture. Setting the chicken aside allows it to rest, which keeps it juicy and tender when reintroduced later in the cooking process.

The Importance of Aromatics

Incorporating onions and garlic is more than just a flavor boost; they create an aromatic foundation that enhances the entire dish. Sautéing them until the onion turns translucent helps to release their natural sugars, which adds depth to your One Pan Chicken and Rice. Resist the urge to rush through this step; allowing about 3-4 minutes for this process ensures a richer taste in the final result.

If you're in a pinch or want to add a different layer of flavor, consider using shallots instead of onions for a milder sweetness. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté to introduce a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

Perfecting Your Rice

When adding rice to the skillet, it's important to toast it briefly, about one minute, allowing it to absorb the flavors developing in the pan. This step not only enhances the rice's taste but also helps it stay fluffy as it cooks. Make sure to stir it regularly to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and burnt bits.

Using long-grain rice is ideal for this recipe as it remains separate and fluffy rather than becoming mushy. If you're looking for a whole grain option, brown rice may be substituted; just be aware that it will require additional liquid and a longer cooking time, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful meal:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious one-pan meal:

Sauté 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 pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the rice and cook for another minute. Then add the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring to a boil.

Combine Ingredients

Once boiling, nestle the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks on top of the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp for a different flavor profile.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth can help revive the dish's moisture. This method ensures the flavors remain vibrant and prevents the rice from drying out.

This dish can also be frozen for longer storage—up to three months. To freeze, allow the meal to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple can be served as a standalone meal, but adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side offers a lovely contrast in textures and enhances the meal's nutritional value. A crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette can complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.

For a fun family-style meal, serve this dish directly from the pan and let everyone help themselves. For an extra touch, consider topping each serving with a drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables along with the aromatics. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be excellent additions that not only provide color but also contribute to the overall nutrition of the meal. Just ensure that any added vegetables have similar cooking times to avoid uneven texture.

If you're looking to enhance the tropical vibe even further, consider adding chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This adds a refreshing brightness that perfectly balances out the savory elements of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and have all the ingredients prepped in advance, then cook it when you're ready.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include bell peppers, peas, or carrots to add extra color and nutrients.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.