Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

When you crave something quick, tropical, and completely irresistible, Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice is your answer. This colorful, flavorful dish is a beautiful fusion of savory, sweet, and a tiny bit spicy. It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like a little vacation in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp veggies, it’s a perfect way to transform simple ingredients into a dazzling weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Flavorful: Ready in under half an hour, and absolutely packed with flavor.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The combo of pineapple and soy sauce is pure magic.
• Customizable: Perfect for clearing out leftover veggies or rice from the fridge.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more flavor—everything comes together in one skillet or wok.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is ideal for the best texture; it fries up perfectly without getting mushy.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh is best for sweetness and tang, but canned works in a pinch.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a bit of crunch.
• Garlic: Essential for savory depth—don’t skip it!
• Carrots and Peas: For color, texture, and a touch of sweetness.
• Eggs: Scrambled right into the mix for richness.
• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami base that ties the flavors together.
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end boosts the toasty aroma.
• Green Onions: For freshness and a little bite.
• Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Sauce (optional): If you like a little heat.

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add tofu or just go heavy on the veggies.
• Add nuts: Cashews or chopped peanuts bring a satisfying crunch.
• Use shrimp: A quick protein swap for a coastal twist.
• Go low-carb: Try it with cauliflower rice!

How to Make Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and peas. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble until just set, then mix everything together.

Step 4: Add Rice and Pineapple

Stir in the cold cooked rice and pineapple chunks. Break up any clumps and mix well.

Step 5: Season and Combine

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the soy sauce, and add red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil and Green Onions

Drizzle sesame oil over the top, toss in chopped green onions, and give it one last stir. Done!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use day-old rice: It gives the best texture, avoiding soggy fried rice.
• Prep everything ahead: This dish moves fast, so have all your ingredients ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if needed to get that nice stir-fry sear.
• Taste and adjust: Add more soy sauce or a splash of lime juice to balance flavors.

How to Serve

Serve your Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with:

Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed peanuts
• A lime wedge for brightness

Side Ideas:

• A light cucumber salad
• Spring rolls
• A bowl of hot and sour soup

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze it, though fresh pineapple holds up better than canned when thawed. Use within 1 month for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the flavors. Microwave works too, but stir midway for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old?
Yes, but let it cool completely first. Spread it on a baking sheet for faster cooling to avoid soggy rice.

What kind of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too. Just don’t overcook them.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari. Always check your labels.

Can I make this without a wok?
Absolutely! A large non-stick skillet works perfectly well.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and make it your own!

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