Pineapple Chicken And Rice Stir Fry Style

Name: Pineapple Chicken And Rice Stir Fry Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breast, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 3 green onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Culinary World Tour

I love making Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stir Fry because it effortlessly combines sweet and savory flavors in one delicious dish. The juicy pineapple pairs wonderfully with tender chicken and colorful veggies, making it a vibrant meal for any occasion. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this quick recipe brings a bit of tropical flair to the table. Plus, it's a complete meal that can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when I need something both satisfying and nutritious.

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:04:16.153Z

When developing this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stir Fry, I experimented with various combinations of vegetables and sauces to find the perfect balance. The key is using fresh, juicy pineapple which not only adds a delightful sweetness but also tenderizes the chicken as it cooks. I discovered that stir-frying on high heat locks in the flavors and gives the dish a wonderful texture.

One evening, I decided to throw in some colorful bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition. The result was a vibrant dish bursting with flavor. I’ve found that serving it over fluffy rice makes it even more satisfying. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors harmonize beautifully in each bite
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
Colorful, nutritious ingredients make it a feast for the eyes

Choosing the Right Chicken

When preparing Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stir Fry, the choice of chicken can significantly impact the final dish. I recommend using boneless chicken breast for its lean texture, which cooks quickly and evenly. Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures that they cook through in about 7-8 minutes over medium-high heat. If you're looking for a more flavorful option, consider using chicken thighs, which will add a richer taste; just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly due to their higher fat content.

To ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Instead of adding all the chicken at once, cook in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a nice sear and browning, which enhances the dish's overall flavor. Remember, undercooked chicken can lead to food safety issues, so verify doneness using a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Getting the Most from Your Vegetables

The vegetables in this stir fry not only provide vibrant colors but also crucial textures and flavors. For the bell pepper, you can choose a red, yellow, or green variety; each contributes a slightly different sweetness and aesthetic appeal. I find that slicing the peppers into strips helps them cook evenly alongside the broccoli, which should be cut into uniform florets. This ensures that all veggies retain some crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the softer pineapple and chicken.

Another tip for maximizing vegetable flavor is to add them at different times based on their cooking requirements. Since broccoli takes longer to become tender, adding it after the chicken but before the pineapple preserves its vibrant color and crispness. Stir-frying on a medium-high heat is key—look for bright green broccoli that’s tender yet still firm. If you notice your vegetables beginning to sweat too much, it’s a sign that you need to increase the heat slightly to achieve the perfect stir-fry texture.

Serving and Storing Your Stir Fry

To serve your Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, I recommend using fluffy, freshly cooked rice. Jasmine rice is particularly fragrant and complements the star ingredients well, but any kind of cooked rice will do. For a fun twist, you can even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Don’t forget the garnishes—sprinkling sesame seeds and additional green onions adds a lovely texture and extra flavor, taking your dish to the next level visually and taste-wise.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is easy; just toss the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If the stir fry seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water to restore moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry; it can maintain quality for about a month in the freezer, just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 pound boneless chicken breast, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
3 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

2 cups cooked rice
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather and prepare all ingredients by chopping the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, broccoli, and green onions. Mince the garlic.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

To the skillet, add the minced garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

Incorporate Pineapple and Sauce

Mix in the diced pineapple and soy sauce, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the pineapple.

Finish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Ingredient Substitutions

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stir Fry is versatile, making it easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned pineapple in juice can work well; just be sure to drain it properly to avoid excess liquid in the stir fry. Additionally, if you’re looking to lighten the dish, you could use skinless, boneless turkey instead of chicken without compromising the flavor too much.

For a vegetarian option, tofu can replace the chicken. Choose extra firm tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, and cut it into cubes. Sauté it in the skillet until golden, then follow the same steps for adding vegetables and sauce. It will absorb the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Flavor Enhancements

The unique combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce is what makes this dish irresistible. To elevate these flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or a splash of rice vinegar to enhance acidity and balance. I sometimes add a little grated ginger for an aromatic kick—just a teaspoon mixed in with the garlic can transform the flavor profile.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, chopped cashews or peanuts make a fantastic topping. Not only do they add texture, but they also provide a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pineapple. Simply toss them in just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Serving Variations

While this recipe serves perfectly over rice, consider serving the stir fry in lettuce wraps for a fun, healthy twist! Simply use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the stir fry mixture. This adds a refreshing crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

Alternatively, try pairing it with quinoa or couscous instead of rice. Both options provide a slightly different texture and flavor, making your meal feel new and exciting. Simply cook per package instructions and serve the stir fry hot on top to soak up all the delicious juices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and will work well in this dish.

→ What type of rice is best for stir fry?

Jasmine or basmati rice work best, but you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.