Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

This pineapple chicken fried rice is a bright and tasty weeknight dinner that brings a sweet and savory balance to your table It capitalizes on everyday ingredients and comes together quickly for a satisfying homemade meal that feels a little special without any fuss.

Once I tried this after a busy day I was hooked The pineapple adds just the right touch of sweetness that turns plain fried rice into a crowd pleaser for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked brown or white rice, chilled: chilled rice stops it from clumping or turning mushy when stir fried
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: thighs stay juicy and tender beneath that quick sear
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil: adds subtle richness with a hint of tropical aroma
• ½ yellow onion: gives sweetness and builds the flavor base
• ½ green bell pepper and ½ red bell pepper: adds crunch and color, choose firm peppers with glossy skin
• 1 large garlic clove minced: fresh garlic lends fragrant warmth
• 1 inch piece grated fresh ginger: important for a zingy brightness in the background
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: your main savory seasoning, use a naturally brewed sauce for depth
• 1 tablespoon honey: balances the savory and acid notes with a gentle sweetness
• 1 ½ cups cubed pineapple: go for ripe pineapple with a sweet fragrance to enhance the dish
• ¾ cup frozen peas: freeze peas retain their bright color and slight snap
• 1 small lime juiced: fresh lime juice adds essential brightness and cuts through the richness
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: adds fresh bite and a nutty finish

Instructions

Cook The Chicken:

Season the bite sized chicken thighs generously with salt and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients This brief rest allows the chicken to absorb salt and enhances seasoning Use a paper towel to blot the pieces dry removing excess moisture so they sear properly

Sauté The Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet Add the chicken when the oil is shimmering Cook stirring occasionally until the pieces are no longer pink in the center about 5 to 7 minutes Remove the cooked chicken and set aside This cooking caramelizes the outside adding flavor while keeping the inside juicy

Cook Vegetables And Aromatics:

Add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it just softens Add the green and red bell peppers minced garlic and grated ginger Continue to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the peppers slightly tender Pour in the soy sauce scraping the pan to lift any browned bits These bits bring concentrated flavor to your dish

Combine And Heat Through:

Stir in the chilled rice, honey, cubed pineapple, and the cooked chicken Lower the heat to low and cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through In the last few minutes add the frozen peas and the juice of the lime stirring to combine This layering preserves the texture of the peas and preserves the fresh tang of the lime

Serve:

Serve the fried rice warm sprinkled with fresh green onions and sesame seeds The garnishes add a fresh crunch and nutty finish that brightens each bite

I absolutely love the contrast pineapple creates with the savory soy and chicken On one family dinner this recipe sparked so much enthusiasm my niece immediately asked for seconds It is a wonderful way to sneak fruit into a savory dish and still make everyone happy

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days When reheating add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist heat gently over medium stirring often You can also freeze rice dishes but note the texture may soften after thawing

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but watch carefully so they do not dry out Shrimp or tofu also make delicious swaps If you like heat add a diced chili or a dash of chili flakes during cooking Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for different sweetness notes

Serving Ideas

This fried rice makes a perfect standalone meal but pairs well with steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad on the side A crisp pickled vegetable can add a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness

This pineapple chicken fried rice balances sweet and savory notes making it a delightful meal for any night.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Chilled cooked brown or white rice is ideal as it prevents clumping and ensures a fluffy texture when fried.

→ Can I substitute the chicken thighs with another protein?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu can be used depending on your preference.

→ How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Using cold, day-old rice helps keep the grains separate and achieve a better fried texture.

→ What role does the honey play in this dish?

Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and complements the pineapple's tartness.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas make great additions for added color and nutrition.