If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and a sweet tangy twist, you’re going to love this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between savory and fruity, delivering a colorful and comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Each bite offers juicy chicken nestled in a luscious honey-mustard pineapple sauce, all served atop a fluffy bed of rice — making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual dinners.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor and lovely textures in this dish. From aromatic thyme to the sweetness of honey and pineapple, every component works together seamlessly.

Boneless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): The star protein of the dish, lean and tender.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Basic seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For perfectly browning the chicken without smoking.
Sliced pineapple (1 can, 20 oz.): Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color; keep the juice for the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): Contributes tangy complexity and depth.
Honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that balances the mustard’s bite.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds warmth and aromatic punch.
Cooked rice (4 servings): The perfect fluffy base to soak up that incredible sauce.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the boneless chicken breasts with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning is essential as it creates a foundation of flavor that shines through the sweet and tangy sauce later on.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides until they have a nice golden crust. This not only locks in moisture but adds a delicious depth to the dish.

Step 3: Prepare Pineapple

Drain the canned pineapple slices carefully, reserving the juice for your sauce — it’s packed with natural sweetness and acidity critical to balancing the flavors.

Step 4: Mix Cornstarch with Pineapple Juice

In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 ounces of the reserved pineapple juice. This mixture will be your secret weapon to giving the sauce that perfect silky texture.

Step 5: Create the Mustard-Honey Sauce

In the meantime, mix the remaining pineapple juice with Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. This sauce base is zesty, sweet, and aromatic — it’s what makes this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Pour the mustard mixture into the pan with the browned chicken. Cover and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the chicken to cook through to juicy perfection.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken temporarily and stir in the cornstarch-pineapple juice mixture into the pan. Bring it to a boil to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy, luscious coating.

Step 8: Finish with Pineapple Slices

Return the chicken to the pan, nestle the pineapple slices around it, and cover for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step warms the pineapple, enhancing the sweet-savory balance that defines this dish.

Step 9: Serve Over Rice

Finally, spoon the tender chicken and pineapple slices over a bed of cooked rice, spooning that irresistible sauce on top. This is the moment where everything comes together beautifully.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add an extra burst of flavor and eye-catching color. Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro bring brightness and freshness that cuts through the sweetness. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty note.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to add crunch and vibrant green hues. If you want to keep things light, a crisp mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweet-savory profile perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does it look stunning, but it also intensifies the tropical vibe, making it a fantastic centerpiece for casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and sauce maintain their flavor beautifully, making for a convenient next-day meal that’s just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately or combined. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy. If using a microwave, heat in shorter bursts, stirring occasionally so that the sauce heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?

Canned pineapple is perfect here because it’s sweeter, juicier, and the juice is perfect for the sauce. Fresh pineapple can be used but you might need to add a bit of extra sweetener and juice for the sauce consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the cornstarch for a gluten-free thickener such as arrowroot powder, and make sure your mustard and honey are gluten-free labeled if you have concerns.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is on the mild side with a focus on sweet and tangy. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat to balance the sweetness.

Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Prepare the chicken and sauce, then portion out rice separately. It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as fresh throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — fruity, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet and savory. It’s a go-to recipe when you want something quick, impressive, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings to your table!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.2 from 44 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combining tender chicken breasts with a tangy and sweet pineapple mustard sauce, served over fluffy cooked rice. This dish balances savory and fruity flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 and a half pounds boneless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Sauce

1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple, juice reserved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 garlic cloves, minced

To Serve

4 servings of cooked rice

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Brown the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Prepare pineapple: Drain the pineapple slices from the can, reserving the juice to use in the sauce.
Mix cornstarch slurry: Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 ounces of the reserved pineapple juice and set aside; this will thicken the sauce later.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic until well blended.
Simmer chicken with sauce: Pour the mustard mixture over the chicken in the pan, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes to cook the chicken through and meld flavors.
Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken temporarily, stir the cornstarch slurry into the pan sauce, and bring it to a boil to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly.
Combine chicken and pineapple: Return the chicken to the pan, add the pineapple slices on top, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top with the pineapple chicken and sauce for a delicious complete meal.