Name: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 cup diced chicken breast; 1 cup diced pineapple; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup peas; 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re searching for a dish that truly wakes up your taste buds, look no further than Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice. This vibrant, sweet-meets-savory rice stir-fry is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a celebration, thanks to its golden pineapple chunks, tender chicken, and a colorful medley of crisp veggies all brought together by a trio of classic Asian sauces. Even better, it’s fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests—a beautiful balance of flavors, textures, and pure mealtime joy.

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient brings something important to the table. Fresh veggies give crunch and vibrancy, pineapple brings that irresistible sweetness, and the harmonious sauces elevate every bite. Gather these simple, essential ingredients and you’re halfway to magic!

Cooked jasmine rice: For the fluffiest, most aromatic fried rice, use rice cooked and cooled ahead of time—it won’t clump and will soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Diced chicken breast: Choose chicken breast for a lean, tender protein that cooks up quickly and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Diced pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best for juicy sweetness, but canned works too in a pinch—just be sure to drain well.
Diced carrots: Carrots add a pop of color and a hint of earthy sweetness that balances the dish.
Peas: Their burst of green and mild sweetness is classic in fried rice and rounds out the veggie medley.
Diced bell peppers: Use any color you love for a crisp, fresh bite and a rainbow-hued finish.
Minced garlic: Garlic is the backbone of the flavor base, lending warm, aromatic depth.
Soy sauce: This brings subtle saltiness and enhances every flavor in the pan.
Fish sauce: Just a splash infuses an unmistakable savory note that’s a must in Thai-inspired dishes.
Oyster sauce: Adds richness and just a touch of sweetness for beautifully rounded flavor.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and light, it keeps everything sizzling without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste for perfectly seasoned rice every time.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once done, move it onto a plate—this keeps it juicy and lets you focus on the veggies next.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Veggies

In the same pan—no need to wipe—a quick sauté of the minced garlic will perfume your whole kitchen. Toss in the diced carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Let them cook, stirring often, until they’re tender-crisp and full of vivid color. This stage builds the comforting, irresistible layers of flavor that make every forkful of Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice so satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Rice & Pineapple

Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add your cooked, cooled jasmine rice. This part is key: a quick stir-fry ensures each grain gets kissed by the heat. Add the pineapple pieces, stirring everything together. The rice will soak up all those bright and savory notes, while the pineapple’s juices caramelize around the edges—it’s where the magic happens!

Step 4: Sauce It Up!

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. Drizzle this aromatic blend over your rice and gently toss until every bite glistens. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with a little extra salt and pepper if needed—you want layers of flavor in every mouthful.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to combine it evenly with the rice and veggies. Give everything another minute or two over the heat until it’s piping hot. What you have now is a skillet full of Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice: golden, fragrant, and ready to impress!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Garnishes

For that final flourish, scatter fresh chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, or toasted cashews over the top just before serving. A squeeze of lime perks things up and adds a zesty finish. Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty satisfying on its own, but you can make it a full feast by serving it with a crisp Thai cucumber salad or some crunchy spring rolls. A bowl of miso soup or a platter of fresh fruit also makes a lovely, refreshing complement.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to dazzle your family or guests, serve your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice scooped right into a hollowed-out pineapple half! Not only does it look spectacular, but the aroma deeply infuses the rice—a total tropical getaway on your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—just the thing for a speedy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

Although freshly made fried rice is best, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, press out as much air as possible, and label with the date. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a spoonful of water over the rice, then warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This revives the texture and keeps everything moist—almost as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is flexible—try shrimp, diced tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to suit your choice of protein.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before stir-frying to prevent sticking.

What if I don’t have fish sauce or oyster sauce?

If you’re missing either of these, add a little more soy sauce and a touch of sugar for balance. The unique flavor will shift slightly, but your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice will still be absolutely delicious.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand—snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or broccoli all work well and add even more color and nutrition.

How do I keep my fried rice from turning mushy?

The key is to use cold, day-old rice. This allows each grain to stay separate and firm, creating the perfect texture for your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice every time.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dish that’s somehow both comforting and full of sunny vacation vibes, you simply have to make Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing wonder packed with so much flavor that it never gets old. Grab your skillet and get ready to wow your friends and family—they’ll be asking for this recipe again and again!

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe