One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple

Name: One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Seasons of Comfort

I absolutely love making One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple! This dish is a beautiful harmony of savory and sweet, combining juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and tangy pineapple all cooked together. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when I want to whip up something delicious without a ton of cleanup. The flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks in one pan, which not only makes it easy to prepare but also gives a wonderfully cohesive taste to the meal. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:10:25.330Z

When I first experimented with One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple, I was amazed at how the pineapple not only complemented the chicken but also enhanced the dish's overall flavor. Cooking everything in one pan reduces the fuss but keeps the ingredients from drying out, making this recipe a kitchen favorite. I’ve learned that using fresh pineapple gives the best results, as it adds a vibrant sweetness that canned pineapple just can’t match.

My go-to technique is to sear the chicken first to get that nice golden crust. This layer of flavor is essential! Afterward, I add the rice and pineapple, which steams gently in the juices released from the chicken. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that's quick to put together and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of savory chicken and sweet pineapple.
One pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
A simple yet impressive dish that's great for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Mastering the Searing Technique

Searing chicken is crucial for building flavor in this dish. When you place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, be sure not to move them around for the first 5 minutes. This allows the skin to render and crisp perfectly. Look for a deep golden-brown color before flipping them over, which not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation for your dish.

Utilizing a heavy-bottomed skillet will help maintain a consistent temperature during searing. If your pan is too light, you may not achieve an even golden crust, resulting in uneven cooking. Make sure your oil is shimmering before adding the chicken; if it starts smoking, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning the skin.

Unlocking Flavor Combinations

The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken in this dish is not just delicious; it's also a creative way to elevate your usual weeknight meals. The pineapple juice releases during cooking, infusing the rice with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the rich chicken. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of lime juice or chili flakes when mixing in the pineapple.

If you're looking to give the dish an Asian twist, try substituting the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for additional sweetness and depth. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to increase nutrient variety and enhance textures.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers from this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To retain the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist while warming, helping to revive its original consistency.

For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring servings to freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, following the same stovetop method. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute.

Cook the Rice

Stir in the rice along with the soy sauce, then add the chicken broth. Mix well to combine, and bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Add the pineapple chunks, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquids.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious one pan meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some chopped bell peppers or a hint of chili flakes in the sauté step. You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking time as they may dry out quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple is a perfect stand-alone dish, but you can enhance your meal by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded experience. The brightness of the salad can help balance the richness of the chicken, while adding a refreshing crunch.

For a tropical-inspired feast, pair this dish with a coconut rum cocktail or a fruity mocktail. The sweetness of the drink complements the flavors of the meal, making it a delightful dining experience.

Enhancing Texture and Color

To boost the visual appeal and texture of this dish, consider topping it with toasted nuts such as cashews or almonds. This adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and soft rice. Just toast them lightly over medium heat until they're golden.

Fresh herbs like cilantro not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that elevates the dish’s flavor profile. If cilantro isn't your favorite, try using green onions or fresh basil for a different aromatic touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the simmering time.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

→ What can I use instead of pineapple?

You can use peaches or mango for a similar sweet flavor, or simply omit them if you prefer a savory dish.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers would enhance the nutritional content and add more color to your dish.