One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed; 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks in juice; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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I absolutely love making One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice when I want a delightful meal without much hassle. This dish is a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken thighs, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pan. The combination of soy sauce and fresh ginger elevates the dish, making it a family favorite. Plus, it's an easy cleanup since everything is cooked in a single pot, which is a huge win for me!

Created by

Ffion Llewellyn

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:47:35.012Z

When I first tried making One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together during cooking. The sweetness of the pineapple contrasts perfectly with the savory chicken and rice, creating a balanced dish that's hard to resist. I remember the delightful aroma filling my kitchen as it cooked, making everyone eager to dig in.

One tip I discovered is to let the rice absorb all the juices without stirring too much, as this helps it become fluffy and enhances the overall taste. I always serve this dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top to elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful blend of sweet pineapple and savory chicken
Minimal cleanup with just one pan required
Perfectly fluffy rice that absorbs all the incredible flavors

Understanding the Ingredients

Choosing the right chicken for this recipe is crucial for achieving tender and juicy results. Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal as they remain moist during cooking. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time, as they will cook faster. Seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper before searing forms a beautiful crust that helps lock in moisture, adding richness to each bite.

The jasmine rice provides a fragrant touch to the dish, perfectly complementing the sweet pineapple and savory chicken. Rinsing the rice is essential because it removes excess starch, preventing the grains from becoming gummy. If you don’t have jasmine rice, long-grain white rice or even basmati could work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking liquid since these grains absorb differently.

Cooking Technique Tips

Searing the chicken properly is a key step to achieving a flavorful base. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil shimmers before adding the chicken. This will help to create that golden-brown crust and prevent sticking. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear in batches to ensure even cooking. Once done, keep the chicken covered while you prepare the rice to maintain its heat and juiciness.

When mixing the rice and liquids in the pan, make sure to stir gently to maintain the integrity of the rice grains. Bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer after adding the chicken is important; a too-rapid boil can result in unevenly cooked rice. Cover the pan tightly during the cooking phase to trap steam and moisture, which is crucial for fluffy results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Sear for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine and Cook

Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Place the seared chicken back into the pan, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for an hour before cooking. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, make sure the chicken and rice have cooled completely to avoid excess moisture buildup. If you want to keep the flavors vibrant, adding a dash of fresh lime juice before storing can brighten the dish.

Reheating can be done in the microwave for quick convenience; just add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it on a stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a little liquid and stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps revive the dish's texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your One Pan Pineapple Chicken And Rice, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. This adds a nice crunch and color to your meal, creating a well-rounded plate that is visually appealing and nutritious. Additionally, a simple salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.

If you wish to add heat, try incorporating sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can enhance the flavor profiles and create a delightful texture contrast. Don't hesitate to get creative with the garnishes – toasted coconut flakes can also add an interesting twist to the dish!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

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

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat it. The flavors actually improve as they marinate together.

→ What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can replace chicken broth with water or vegetable broth, though using broth will enhance the flavor.

→ Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes! Mango, peaches, or even cherries could be delicious additions to this dish.