One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple

Name: One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comforts

I absolutely love how this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple turns out every time! The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and perfectly cooked rice creates a delightful harmony of flavors. What I enjoy most is the simplicity of preparing everything in just one pan—making clean-up a breeze while still delivering a comforting meal. I usually serve it with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor, which really elevates the dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never disappoints!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:01:17.166Z

Creating the One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple was a delightful challenge for me. I experimented with different spices and sweet-tangy balance until I found the perfect combination that complements both the pineapple and the chicken. Using fresh pineapple instead of canned gives a burst of vibrant flavor that transforms the dish into something truly special.

What I found particularly helpful was allowing the chicken to sear properly before adding the rice. This step ensures a flavorful crust and prevents the meat from drying out during cooking. Trust me, it’s a crucial tip you’ll want to remember!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful blend of savory chicken and sweet pineapple
Convenient one-pan meal for easy preparation and clean-up
A vibrant and colorful dish that impresses at the table

Mastering the Sear

The searing process is crucial for achieving a delicious depth of flavor in your chicken. When you heat the olive oil adequately before adding the chicken, look for a shimmering surface. This indicates the oil is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust on the skin. If the chicken sticks to the pan while trying to flip, it’s not ready yet; let it cook a bit longer to develop that perfect sear.

Cooking the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes skin-side down not only crisps the skin but also helps lock in moisture. After flipping, reduce the heat slightly if you notice the skin browning too quickly as you still want to cook it evenly without burning.

Perfect Rice Every Time

Using jasmine rice in this recipe adds a subtle floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and prevents sticky rice. After adding the rice to the pan, stir it gently to coat the grains in the flavorful liquid before bringing it to a simmer.

Keep an eye on the simmering stage; a gentle bubble is ideal. If the heat is too high, the rice might burn at the bottom. It's essential to cover the pan tightly to ensure even steam distribution. After 25 minutes, check the rice for tenderness and, if necessary, add a tablespoon of water and cook it for a few more minutes until fully cooked.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious one-pan meal:

Sear the Chicken

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Chicken

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for about 25 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious one-pan creation!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger for a couple of hours before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts can work in a pinch. Just be aware they require slightly less cooking time; aim for about 20 minutes covered instead of 25. Additionally, if you're looking for a low-sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and homemade chicken broth.

Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Ensure to sauté them until golden before adding aromatics. This way, you maintain flavor complexity while keeping the dish plant-based.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple can be partially prepared ahead of time. Feel free to sear the chicken a few hours before you plan to serve it; simply refrigerate it after searing. When you’re ready to finish, add the chicken back into the pan and follow the rest of the steps as usual.

For leftovers, store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out, heating it in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for pineapple?

You can replace pineapple with mango or peaches for a different sweetness.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day ahead, but it's best served fresh for optimal texture.