Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Classics

When I first combined the flavors of sweet pineapple and savory chicken, I knew I was onto something special. This Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl has become a fast favorite in our home. It's the perfect balance of freshness and heartiness, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a fun meal for guests. I love how quick it is to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Kayla Monroe

Last updated on 2026-02-15T05:05:35.897Z

Making this Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl first inspired me to experiment with new flavors in my cooking. I was drawn to the idea of using pineapple as not just a garnish but as a key component that elevates the dish. The combination of juices from the pineapple with the chicken creates a glaze that's irresistibly delicious.

I also discovered that marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor intensely. This way, each bite is bursting with freshness, making it a delightful dish that feels like a mini culinary vacation with every forkful.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up your meal.
Quick preparation makes it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Colorful presentation that impresses guests.

Mastering the Art of Marination

Marinating the chicken is crucial for adding depth of flavor in this Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl. Allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes—preferably longer—enables the chicken to absorb the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the pineapple and soy sauce. If you find yourself short on time, even a 15-minute marination will enhance the flavor, but for the best results, aim for that full half hour or more in the refrigerator. Feel free to mix up the marinade ingredients based on your preferences; for instance, a splash of lime juice can add a nice zesty kick.

To ensure even cooking, try to cut the chicken breast into uniform pieces, about one-inch cubes. If your chicken is too uneven, some pieces may overcook while others remain undercooked. This uniformity will allow the chicken to sear beautifully, achieving that golden-brown crust, which not only adds texture but enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference, so when possible, select organic or local produce.

Perfecting Your Vegetables

The choice of vegetables in this recipe contributes not only to the dish's beautiful color but also to its nutritional value. Broccoli, when steamed until it turns bright green but still retains a bit of crunch, provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. If you're looking to mix things up, consider adding snap peas, carrots, or even zucchini for varied textures. The key is to ensure that the vegetables are tender but not mushy, which takes about 5-7 minutes when steaming.

Sautéing the bell pepper brings out its sweetness, which complements the flavors in the chicken beautifully. Make sure to cook them over medium-high heat just until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can char the peppers slightly, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Alternatively, if you want to lighten the dish, you can skip the sautéing process and add the raw peppers on top for extra crunch.

Serving and Storing Tips

When assembling your Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl, don't hesitate to get creative with your presentation. Layering your ingredients not only makes the dish visually appealing but allows for a wonderful mixing of flavors as guests dig in. Use large, shallow bowls to give each component room to shine, and sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds on top for that final touch of elegance and crunch. Keep in mind, if you're planning to serve this at a gathering, you can prepare all components ahead of time and just assemble them right before serving.

For leftovers, consider storing the chicken and vegetables separately from the rice to maintain texture. Refrigerate them in airtight containers; they’ll last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, the chicken can be quickly warmed up in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, while the broccoli can be added in for the last minute to keep it fresh. If you've made too much rice, it freezes well; just place it in freezer bags, and it can be reheated later for a fast side dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Rice Bowl

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Mix well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken mixture. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli and sauté the bell pepper in a separate pan until tender.

Assemble the Bowls

In serving bowls, place a portion of jasmine rice at the bottom. Top with the cooked chicken and pineapple mixture, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. It enhances the freshness and balances the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight: Pineapple

Pineapple isn't just a sweet addition; it's a fantastic meat tenderizer due to its natural enzymes. By including fresh pineapple in this dish, your chicken benefits from enhanced tenderness and a unique flavor that balances perfectly with the soy sauce. If fresh pineapple is not available, you can substitute it with canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. This slight change will still yield a delightful sweetness without compromising the integrity of the recipe.

Additionally, the acidity of pineapple contributes a refreshing note that cuts through the richness of the chicken and balances the honey's sweetness. If you're looking to experiment, try incorporating other tropical fruits like mango or even papaya. Each will lend its own character to the rice bowl while keeping that signature sweetness intact.

Variations and Add-ins

This Sweet Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowl is quite versatile, allowing for many adaptations to suit different dietary preferences or pantry items on hand. For a vegetarian version, try swapping out the chicken with firm tofu, which can absorb the marinade beautifully. Simply cut the tofu into similar-sized cubes, marinate, and cook until golden on all sides. This makes a delightful plant-based alternative without losing the essence of the dish.

If you're looking for added spice, consider mixing in some sriracha or chili flakes into the marinade. This will bring an exciting kick to the overall dish. Another option is to top the finished bowl with crushed nuts, such as peanuts or cashews, which will lend a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory elements brilliantly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. If you're cooking for a larger group, simply double the quantities while maintaining the same cooking times. For the chicken, ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate everything without overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. For smaller servings, divide the ingredients by half or use individual ramekins for single portions that can be assembled separately — perfect for meal preps or intimate dinners.

One thing to note when scaling is to adjust the marination time accordingly. Even if you're preparing a larger batch, don't skip that vital step! Adequate marination will ensure that each piece of chicken carries that delicious flavor profile, making every bite enjoyable regardless of the quantity being prepared.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and cut it into bite-sized pieces before marinating.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use the same marinade for flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like carrots or snap peas for additional crunch and nutrition.