Pineapple Chicken And Rice Stir Fry Style

Name: Pineapple Chicken And Rice Stir Fry Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 pound boneless chicken breast, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Salt and pepper to taste

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When I first stumbled upon the idea of combining pineapple with chicken and rice in a stir fry, I knew I had to give it a try. The combination of sweet and savory flavors intrigued me, and I was eager to see how the bright tanginess of fresh pineapple could elevate a classic dish. As I mixed in a variety of crunchy vegetables and a luscious sauce, I realized that this meal would not only be a quick weeknight dinner but also a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Trust me; you’ll adore how simple and delicious this recipe is.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:37:16.242Z

After trying various combinations of flavors, I finally landed on this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stir Fry that blends fresh ingredients beautifully. I love using bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to perfection, allowing the pineapple slices to caramelize slightly as they absorb all that savory goodness. The colorful array of vegetables not only adds crunch but also an explosion of nutrients!

One memorable dinner involved friends who couldn’t stop raving about this dish. I made sure to share that the secret lies in marinating the chicken for just 10 minutes, which intensifies the flavor without losing its moisture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy pineapple with tender chicken creates a perfect blend of flavors.
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
A colorful presentation that impresses family and friends.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The star of this dish is the fresh pineapple, which not only adds a wonderful sweetness but also balances the savory elements of the chicken and soy sauce. Pineapple's natural acidity helps to tenderize the chicken during marination, making it juicy and flavorful. Opt for ripe, fresh pineapple to ensure the best flavor; canned options can be used in a pinch, but might not have the same vibrant taste.

Each vegetable in this stir fry plays a crucial role, contributing to both texture and nutrition. The bell pepper’s sweetness complements the tartness of the pineapple, while the broccoli adds a satisfying crunch. For a unique twist, you could swap out the broccoli for snap peas or use zucchini for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you add them in proportion to maintain the balance of the dish.

Cooking Techniques for Success

Marination is an essential step for flavor absorption. A quick marination of 10 minutes is enough for the chicken to soak up the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. If you have more time, allowing the chicken to marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator can deepen the flavors further. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before cooking to achieve even cooking.

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Preheat your skillet or wok until it's sizzling—this helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and enhancing the dish's overall flavor. Keep the heat at medium-high and avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures that everything gets the perfect golden-brown edges without steaming.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this tasty dish:

For the Stir Fry

2 cups cooked rice
1 pound boneless chicken breast, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prep everything before you start cooking to ensure a smooth stir-fry experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious stir-fry:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with half of the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Incorporate Pineapple and Rice

Add the pineapple chunks and cooked rice to the skillet. Pour in the remaining soy sauce and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your vibrant meal!

For an extra touch, you can garnish with green onions or sesame seeds!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the stir fry. Also, feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This stir fry is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. The vegetable mix can also be prepped ahead—chop everything and store in airtight containers. Just be sure to keep the pineapple separate until you’re ready to stir-fry to maintain its freshness.

Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the skillet to prevent the rice from drying out and to help steam the ingredients back to life. If you'd like to freeze the leftovers, do so in single servings, making it easy to defrost just what you need later.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your serving experience, consider topping your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and color. A drizzle of sweet chili sauce can also add an extra touch of sweetness and heat that complements the pineapple beautifully. Serve it with lime wedges for a zesty kick that brightens the dish.

Feel free to customize the stir fry based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Shrimp can be substituted for the chicken, or you can create a vegetarian version by using tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu may need a little longer to get that delightful crispy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just ensure they’re thawed before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Allow the stir fry to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef can also work wonderfully in this recipe.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your rice is gluten-free.