Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

This pineapple chicken fried rice recipe is a tasty tropical twist on traditional fried rice. It combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, crispy veggies, and seasoned rice, creating a delicious dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s a great way to use leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

I got this recipe from my son and daughter-in-law a couple of years ago. I have several recipes for fried rice, but the addition of sweet pineapple makes this one extra yummy!

The first time I had it at their house, they didn’t add chicken, and it was still delicious. But the chicken breast makes it a hearty, complete meal (and satisfies the carnivores at my house). 😋

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

• Sweet and savory flavor combined with a touch of heat makes it incredible!
• You can easily customize it by changing the vegetables and seasonings.
• It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Inspired by the flavors of a Thai restaurant, it costs much less than Thai takeout.

How to make chicken pineapple fried rice:

1. CHOP – Wash and dice the vegetables. Cut the chicken into small pieces. Chop the pineapple.
2. CHICKEN – Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
3. VEGGIES – In the same skillet, cook the onions for 3 minutes. Add the carrots and cook 5 more minutes. Stir in the red pepper and garlic and sauté another 2 minutes.
4. COMBINE – Stir in the rice, corn, peas, soy sauce, sriracha, and pepper. Add the pineapple and heat through.
5. SERVE – If desired, garnish with green onions, salted peanuts or cashews, and sesame seeds. For a fancy dish fit for company, you can serve the fried rice in a pineapple bowl by cutting a whole pineapple in half lengthwise and scooping out the pineapple flesh.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

• Use cold rice – Day-old rice that has been chilled works best because it’s less sticky and fries better than freshly cooked hot rice.
• Use a pan large enough for the ingredients to brown properly instead of steaming.
• Use fresh pineapple for the freshest, brightest flavor.

Variations:

• Switch up the kind of rice – brown rice, short grain, or Thai jasmine rice will all work.
• To change the flavor profile, you can add curry powder, sesame oil, fish sauce, or oyster sauce.
• You can use any lean protein such as shrimp, pork, or skinless chicken thighs.
• For a gluten-free dish, use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Customize Your Vegetables – Broccoli, celery, snow peas, and edamame all make excellent additions.
• For extra protein, add scrambled eggs. Make a well in the rice mixture before you add the pineapple and add 2-3 beaten eggs. Stir until cooked, then add the pineapple and heat through.

FAQ

Can I make chicken pineapple fried rice in advance? 

Yes, it is a perfect make-ahead meal! You can make it 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can either reheat it in a skillet or the microwave.

Can I use fresh rice instead?

If you don’t have leftover rice, you can use freshly cooked rice, but you need to let it cool down and dry out a bit first. Spread it on a baking sheet and press out the clumps. Place it in the freezer or fridge for a few minutes to help prevent it from sticking together.

If you add hot rice directly to your stir fry, you add excess moisture, which leads to fried rice that is either soggy or clumpy.

More recipes using rice:

• Chicken Curry Rice
• Ground Beef Fried Rice
• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
• Goulash with Rice
• Chicken Fajita Rice Recipe
• Hamburger Rice Casserole
• One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
• Ham Fried Rice

This pineapple chicken fried rice recipe is packed with flavor, color, and texture. Whether you serve it as a side dish or main dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite!