Pineapple Chicken Fried Ricern

Name: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, (plus 2 teaspoons divided (2 tablespoons for cooking chicken and 2 teaspoons for cooking the egg)); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, (cut into ¾ inch pieces); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅓ cup green onions, (plus 1 tablespoon thinly sliced divided (⅓ cup for the rice and 1 tablespoon for garnish)); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 cup frozen peas & carrots; 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, (at room temperature (see tips for preparation)); 2 large eggs, (lightly beaten); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 teaspoons oyster sauce; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 1½ cups fresh pineapple, (cut into ¾-inch pieces (from half a large fresh pineapple) (see tips for serving))

close up shot of Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice in a pineapple

This recipe for Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice comes together so easily for a restaurant-quality dinner faster than you can order takeout! Simply made with fresh pineapple and tender chicken in a savory sauce mixed with jasmine rice and fried eggs.

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Table of Contents

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
Chicken and Rice with Pineapple Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
How To Serve Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
How To Store Leftover Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice
Why This Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is a tasty fusion of tender chicken, aromatic Jasmine rice, and juicy pineapple chunks. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it ideal for busy weeknights and casual dinners with friends.

This rice with chicken and pineapple is a complete meal cooked in one pan. Truly a restaurant-worthy dish, you’ll never need to order takeout again. Quick and easy to make, our chicken fried rice with pineapple recipe is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

overhead shot of Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice on a plate

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice raw ingredients that are labeled

With such a flavorful list of ingredients, it’s no wonder this recipe is so sweet and delicious. Plus, if you have a pineapple on hand, you might already have everything you need in your pantry.

You’ll Need:

2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions, divided
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 cup frozen peas & carrots
3 cups cooked jasmine rice, at room temperature
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into ¾-inch pieces

Chicken and Rice with Pineapple Substitutions and Additions

If you find yourself missing a few ingredients or want to change up this pineapple chicken rice recipe, you’re in luck, because this recipe is easy to customize. Here are some handy substitutions and additions to customize your dish according to your preferences:

Frozen Peas and Carrots: Swap out the frozen peas and carrots for other diced vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for added crunch and color variation.

Chicken Breast: You can use chicken thigh meat as a substitute for the breast meat. You can also experiment with different proteins like shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced pork for a tasty twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.

Soy Sauce: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Oyster Sauce: Instead of oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce makes a flavorful addition to the rice.

Sesame Oil: Add a sophisticated flavor to the dish with toasted sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier flavor, or try chili-infused oil for a spicy kick. Any good quality oil will be fine for this recipe. Coconut oil will add a sweet, coconut-infused flavor, too.

Green Onion: Enhance the dish with additional herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a fresh burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts into the rice dish for a pleasant crunch.

Pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks (in 100% juice) can be substituted. Drain well and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the dish.

Jasmine Rice: Day-old rices makes great fried rice because it’s a bit dry and crisps up nicely in the pan. If you don’t have jasmine rice on hand, you can certainly use another long-grain white rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice.

How To Make Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

You’re about to learn the secrets to making restaurant-quality fried rice. Spoiler alert! It’s actually quite a simple cooking method.

We’ll cook up the chicken and rice, then saute the seasonings and veggies. We’ll scramble our eggs in a rice well, an authentic technique for making fried rice, and then finally, we’ll mix everything together. Dinner will be on the table in no time!

STEP ONE: This recipe comes together quickly, so be sure you have prepared and measured out your ingredients. This will help make the dish easier to cook. You’ll also need to have your cooked rice ready and cooled to room temperature. Be sure your pineapple is cut into pieces.

PRO TIP: You can cut a fresh whole pineapple, or to save time, look in the refrigerated produce section for pre-cut pineapple chunks.

STEP TWO: In a deep skillet or large wok, add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pieces of cubed chicken along with the salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces and spoon them onto a clean plate. Set aside for now.

STEP THREE: To the same hot skillet, add the sliced green onions, minced garlic cloves, and grated ginger. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the green onions are soft and the garlic is becoming fragrant.

STEP FOUR: Add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring to combine with the onions. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are warmed through.

peas and carrots added and combined with onions

STEP FIVE: Add the cooked and cooled jasmine rice to the vegetables. Stir the rice into the vegetables until the mixture is fully combined. Allow the rice to fry for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally.

PRO TIP: Give the rice time to fry on the skillet so it becomes dry and a bit crispy, but don’t allow it to stick or burn.

STEP SIX: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to push the rice and vegetable mixture to the outside edge of the skillet, creating a hole or well in the center. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the well, then pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Let the eggs cook and scramble for a few minutes, then carefully stir them into the rice and vegetables,

eggs cooked and scrambled and stirred into the rice and vegetable

STEP SEVEN: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Drizzle the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the rice.

soy sauce, oyster, and sesame oil whisked together

STEP EIGHT: Add the cooked chicken and pineapple pieces into the skillet. Stir to combine and allow the chicken to heat back up for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and garnish with the remaining sliced green onions. Serve hot!

chicken added back to the skillet along with pineapple pieces

How To Serve Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice

This easy pineapple chicken stir fry is a complete meal on its own and makes a filling lunch or warm and inviting dinner. This recipe is a cross between a Hawaiian dish and a Thai fried rice, so there are plenty of dishes that complement the flavors.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, this fried rice dish is sure to be a family favorite. Here are some ways you can serve it.

As a Main Dish: Serve the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the dish with a side of soy sauce or sriracha for those who prefer an extra dash of flavor or heat.

Pineapple Boats: For a fun and festive presentation, serve the fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves (similar to how we serve our pineapple salsa). Not only does this add a tropical flair to your meal, but it also infuses the rice with extra pineapple flavor.

Fusion Wraps: Transform the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice into flavorful wraps by spooning the rice mixture onto large lettuce leaves or tortillas. Roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks for a handheld meal option. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Hawaiian Fried Rice Bowl: Create a vibrant rice and pineapple bowl by layering the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice with additional toppings such as diced avocado, shredded carrots, and edamame. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce or sriracha mayo for added flavor.

Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Pair the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice with a cold pineapple rum punch for a refreshing tropical drink that complements the flavors of the dish. For an family-friendly option, try a pitcher of pineapple lemonade, instead.
Serve With Side Dishes: Serve the fried rice alongside classic Asian-inspired sides such as egg rolls, cucumber salad, or Thai noodles to create a Thai feast. The savory flavors of these dishes perfectly complement the sweet and tangy notes of the Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice.

Dessert Delight: Round out your meal with fun and fruity desserts like coconut cupcakes, pineapple pie, or Hawaiian wedding cake. The tropical flavors will harmonize beautifully with the Chicken and Pineapple Rice.

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How To Store Leftover Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

If you somehow have leftovers of this Thai pineapple fried rice, make sure you store them probably so you can enjoy them again the next day. Here’s how:

MAKE AHEAD: While leftovers will still be tasty, this rice dish is best made fresh. If you need to save time, we suggest you make the rice ahead and freeze it until ready to use. You can also precook the chicken. pieces and have them thawed when it’s time to cook. You can set your rice and your chicken on the counter about 30 minutes before you begin cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.

IN THE FRIDGE: Your leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just allow them to cool, then scoop the fried rice into an airtight container before refrigerating. The longer your rice dish sits in the fridge, the dryer it will become, so we recommend eating this dish up as quickly as possible.

IN THE FREEZER: The best way to store your rice dish is in the freezer. Freezing rice helps it to maintain its moisture. Transfer your leftover rice into an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag. Freeze for up to two months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

HOW TO REHEAT: Using the microwave is a good way to reheat your fried rice. Scoop the desired amount of rice onto a plate or shallow bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-45 second intervals, stirring between each, until the rice is hot through. You can also place the rice in a skillet with a touch of oil and heat over medium heat until hot. You may need to add a touch of water or broth.

Why This Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Is The Best

Prepare to fall in love with our pineapple chicken fried rice recipe. This is a home chef’s dream recipe that brings together the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite. From its vibrant colors to its irresistible aroma, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Reasons We Love This Recipe:

Versatility: One of the reasons we adore this recipe is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, planning a casual gathering with friends, or hosting a special dinner party, Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to enjoy on its own, or use it as a side dish to accompany other Asian-inspired recipes.

Perfect Combination of Flavors: We really love fried rice, but the savory chicken and sweet pineapple somehow make it even better!

Easy At Home: One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You learn how easy it is to make takeout-style Asian cuisine at home for a fraction of the cost of delivery.

Family-Friendly Appeal: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it the perfect dish for family meals. It’s colorful and smells so delicious while it’s cooking, even picky eaters will be interested in trying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Leftover rice works perfectly for Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice. In fact, using chilled cooked rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy during the frying process.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables or tofu for protein. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts well to various dietary preferences.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s not spicy at all. But you can adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer a bit of kick. It’s customizable to suit your taste preferences.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked when it turns golden brown on the outside and is no longer pink on the inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I skip the eggs?

Of course! If you prefer to make this dish without eggs, just omit them from the recipe. The fried rice will still be delicious and flavorful without them.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

To prevent the rice from sticking, be sure to use a well-seasoned skillet or non-stick pan. Additionally, stirring the rice frequently while cooking helps prevent it from clumping together.

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