Tropical Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Island Magic in a Bowl

Crafting a delightful pineapple chicken fried rice sparks culinary creativity in unexpected ways.

Sweet tropical chunks dance with savory chicken pieces throughout this classic dish.

Rice grains absorb incredible flavors from carefully selected seasonings.

Wok-seared ingredients create magical textures that surprise and delight.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Fragrant herbs and caramelized pineapple elevate ordinary dinner into something special.

You’ll want to experience these vibrant, mouth-watering combinations right away.

Why Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Is Tasty

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and aromatic spices in one delectable dish that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Streamlined Cooking Process: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe that works great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, satisfying both adults and kids with its approachable flavor profile.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and balanced carbohydrates from rice, creating a well-rounded and wholesome meal in a single pan.

What You’ll Need For Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a satisfying and hearty base for the fried rice dish.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic, Ginger: Intense flavor boosters that provide a zesty and warm undertone to the dish.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish to the fried rice.
• Lime: A citrusy element that brightens and balances the other flavors in the recipe.
• Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that brings tropical brightness to the chicken fried rice.

• Coconut Oil: A flavorful cooking fat that adds a subtle tropical essence to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that enhances the umami flavor and provides saltiness.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that helps caramelize and balance the other ingredients.
• Sesame Seeds: A crunchy garnish that adds nutty flavor and textural contrast.
• Frozen Peas: A quick-cooking vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Cooked Rice: The starchy base that makes this a classic fried rice preparation.

Easy Steps For Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Massage chicken pieces with salt and let them sit while getting other ingredients ready. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully done and golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Pour soy sauce into the pan and scrape up browned bits from the bottom to capture deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Combine Rice and Proteins

• Cooked rice
• Honey
• Pineapple chunks
• Previously cooked chicken

Reduce heat to low and let ingredients meld together.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Mix in frozen peas and fresh lime juice. Cook for a few more minutes to warm everything through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the vibrant, tropical-inspired dish.

Simple Tips For Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

• Seal in Chicken Flavor: Salt the chicken for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance its tenderness and taste absorption.
• Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Remove excess moisture from chicken with paper towels to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to create a harmonious flavor profile that complements the pineapple.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like carrots or edamame for increased color, texture, and nutritional value.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle with sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their fried rice.

Change Up Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique.
• Seafood Tropical Fusion: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while preserving the pineapple and coconut oil base.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the original flavor profile and spice balance.
• Gluten-Free Asian Remix: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and maintaining the recipe's authentic taste.

Great Pairings For Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

• Tropical Beverage Boost: Pair this pineapple chicken fried rice with a refreshing coconut mojito that echoes the dish's tropical notes and complements the sweet-savory flavors.
• Crisp Wine Companion: Select a chilled Riesling with slight sweetness to balance the rice's tangy pineapple and soy sauce elements, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Beer Harmony: Choose a light Asian-style lager like Singha or Tiger Beer, whose crisp profile cuts through the richness of the coconut oil and chicken while enhancing the dish's complex seasonings.
• Bright Citrus Spritzer: Create a homemade lime-ginger sparkling water that mirrors the recipe's lime juice and ginger hints, providing a zesty and cleansing palate refreshment.

How To Keep Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Pack the fried rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste and texture.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Questions Answered

• Why should I season the chicken before cooking?

Seasoning helps the chicken absorb flavor and creates a more tender texture by allowing salt to break down proteins and lock in moisture.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly and adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish while maintaining a similar texture and cooking method.

• Is coconut oil necessary for this recipe?

Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the pineapple, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear white throughout with no pink centers when cut open.

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 32-37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Hawaii’s beloved Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors dancing across your plate. Bold ingredients and quick preparation make this tropical dish a perfect weeknight meal that transports you to island paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3/4 cup frozen peas

Base Grains:

• 4 cups cooked brown or white rice

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 cups cubed pineapple
• 1 small lime

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with seasoning, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10-15 minutes while preparing other components.
2. Pat chicken dry to ensure optimal browning and prevent excess moisture.
3. Preheat large skillet to medium heat, adding coconut oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
4. Sear chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently.
5. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and tenderness.
6. Utilize the same skillet to build layered flavors, melting remaining coconut oil.
7. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, developing a sweet aromatic base.
8. Introduce bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger, creating a vibrant and fragrant mixture.
9. Deglaze pan with soy sauce, incorporating caramelized remnants for deeper taste profile.
10. Combine cooked rice, honey, diced pineapple, and reserved chicken, integrating all ingredients harmoniously.
11. Reduce heat, allowing ingredients to meld together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Incorporate frozen peas and fresh lime juice during final cooking moments for brightness and color.
13. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
14. Serve immediately while ingredients remain hot and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Marinate chicken with salt beforehand to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing proteins to break down for more juicy meat.
• Pat chicken dry completely to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing in the pan.
• Use day-old cold rice for better texture, preventing mushy fried rice and helping grains separate perfectly during cooking.
• Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use tamari for gluten-free option, coconut aminos for soy-free version, or tofu for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17-22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg