Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice: A Tropical Twist on Comfort Food

Many see pineapple as a festive fruit or a garnish, but I’ve found a way to make it the star of a weeknight dinner. The juiciness of pineapple, combined with tender chicken and fragrant rice, creates a vibrant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It smells like sunshine and roasted garlic as it cooks, filling the kitchen with a mix of sweet and savory aromas.

This recipe redefines what comfort food can be, turning familiar flavors into something unexpectedly bright. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something both hearty and refreshing—like a mini vacation in a bowl. Plus, it’s a reminder that tropical flavors aren’t just for summer, but for any season craving a splash of joy.

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

This dish features tender, cooked chicken combined with juicy pineapple chunks and fluffy rice. The mixture is stir-fried to create a dish with a slightly crispy texture and a vibrant, sweet-savory flavor profile, showcasing a colorful and appealing appearance.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice preferably day-old for fluffiness
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes
• 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 green onions green onions chopped, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional, adds flavor

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cooking spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it turns opaque and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. It should smell warm and aromatic.
4. Pour in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula, and stir to combine with the garlic. Let it cook and get a little crispy on some edges, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with pineapple chunks, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
6. Drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture and continue stir-frying until everything is heated through and coated with sauce, about 2 minutes. Optionally, add a teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor.
7. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Feel free to add other vegetables or seasonings to customize your dish.

This recipe reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, flavorful, and adds a different kind of brightness to dinner time. Sometimes, all it takes is a bright piece of fruit on the plate to change an ordinary night into something memorable.

As the last spoonful disappears, I’m reminded of how balancing flavors can lift a meal from mundane to special. It’s a dish I’ll keep coming back to—easy, cheerful, and full of unexpected delights.

Elias Carter

Hi there! I’m Elias Carter, the foodie and recipe creator behind Dramatically Stirring.

Food has always been my love language. Growing up in the heart of North Carolina, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how a simple meal could tell a story, bring people together, and stir up emotions far beyond taste. That’s the spirit behind this blog — food that isn’t just cooked, but dramatically stirring.