Irresistible Pineapple Chicken and Rice Easy Chinese Recipes for Busy Weeknights

When you’re searching for something fast, flavorful, and family-approved, few meals check all the boxes like Pineapple Chicken and Rice Easy Chinese Recipes. This dish is sweet, savory, and satisfying—all made in a single skillet. It’s an excellent addition to your collection of chicken dinner recipes, especially if you love Asian flavors but don’t want the hassle of takeout.

With pantry staples, a quick cook time, and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone looking to cook smarter without sacrificing taste. Pair it with a quick vegetable side dish or serve it solo for a complete weeknight win.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Recipe

This dish combines the delicious contrast of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce, enhanced by a smooth glaze that clings to tender chicken bites. If you’re someone who enjoys Asian dishes that offer balance and boldness, this one’s for you.

What makes it even better? It’s beginner-friendly, uses basic ingredients, and requires just one pan—so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats well, much like our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken, another quick and flavorful favorite.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Gather your ingredients before you begin for a smoother cooking experience. The recipe yields four servings.

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup (120ml) pineapple juice (from the can)
• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Additional

• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
• 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
• 3 cups cooked white rice (about 450g)

Save

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a mixing bowl. This helps seal in moisture and gives the chicken a light crisp when seared.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder until smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens—about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Pineapple

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks along with the juice. Stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors marry.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. For something unique, try it over Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or a side of Garlicky Kale with White Beans.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or wok
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rice cooker or pot for rice

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Chicken

To take this recipe to the next level:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch on the chicken—it creates a beautiful texture.
• Fresh pineapple can be used, but you’ll need to add about ½ cup pineapple juice to replace the canned version.

Looking for another satisfying chicken dish? Try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a fun dinner twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even an easy recipe can go wrong without attention to detail. Avoid the following:

• Overcrowding the pan: It can cause steaming instead of searing.
• Skipping the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it and develops deeper flavor.
• Using syrupy pineapple: Always opt for pineapple in juice, not syrup, which will overpower the savory balance.
• Not tasting the sauce: Always taste before serving and adjust sugar, soy, or vinegar to your liking.

For another recipe with a sweet-savory blend, you might enjoy our Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken, packed with bold flavor.

Pineapple Chicken Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to personalize this dish:

• Spicy kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Low-carb option: Serve over Cauliflower Rice or steamed vegetables.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great in the skillet.
• Vegetarian swap: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken.

If you’re into fusion flavors, try pairing it with a Cucumber Dill Salad for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Pineapple chicken stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.

Looking for more meal-prep options? You’ll love these Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for busy mornings.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This dish shines on its own but can also be elevated:

• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes.
• Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for tropical flair.
• Pair with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or Scalloped Potatoes for a hearty combo.
• Finish the meal with Strawberry Cloud Cake for a light and sweet dessert.

Why This is a Great Easy Chinese Recipe

This dish stands out among other Chinese cooking recipes because of its simplicity. Unlike more complex meals, this one:

• Uses only one pan
• Requires less than 30 minutes from start to finish
• Relies on everyday ingredients
• Doesn’t require any special equipment

That’s what makes it one of the most accessible Asian dishes for home cooks.

If you’re looking for more globally-inspired meals with minimal fuss, check out our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but make sure to add extra juice or water to replace the missing canned juice.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs offer a juicier texture and richer flavor.

What’s the best type of rice for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best. For a twist, serve it with Sourdough Discard Tortillas as a wrap filling.

Is it good for meal prep?
Yes! This meal holds up well in the fridge and is great for make-ahead lunches.

Final Thoughts on Pineapple Chicken and Rice Easy Chinese Recipes

This quick and flavorful meal is a weeknight hero. It’s everything you want in a dish: easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and made with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re diving into the world of pineapple chicken recipes or looking for a new go-to among your favorite chicken dishes recipes, this one delivers every time.

For a unique dessert pairing, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles—creamy, spiced, and the perfect sweet ending.

Print