Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers); 3 green onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals

I absolutely love making Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice because it's a vibrant dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in one bowl. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of summer barbeques and island vibes. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables creates a refreshing, quick meal that my family devours. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a fantastic way to use leftover rice and chicken, making it both practical and satisfying.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-30T01:33:27.934Z

When I first made Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, I was looking for a way to brighten up my usual stir-fried rice. The addition of pineapple not only added a pop of color but also brought a wonderful sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. What surprised me the most was how quickly everything comes together, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

To elevate the dish, I like to use day-old rice because it’s drier and makes for a better texture. It won’t clump together, allowing each grain to absorb the flavors and stay fluffy. Trust me, this little detail makes a big difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Tropical sweetness that brightens every bite
A satisfying blend of flavors and textures
Quick and easy to make with leftover ingredients

Mastering the Cooking Process

To achieve the best texture for your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, using day-old rice is essential. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, leading to a clumpy end product. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry it out slightly before using. This will ensure each grain stays separate and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.

When sautéing the garlic and ginger, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them. You want them to become fragrant, but not browned. If they brown, they can turn bitter, which could negatively affect the overall flavor of your dish. I recommend stirring constantly during this step, making sure to swirl the pan for even cooking, especially if you're using a high-heat setting.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Incorporating the pineapple into the dish not only introduces a sweet splash but also balances the savory elements. Make sure to use ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and chewiness. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple works well too; just drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. This will prevent the fried rice from becoming soggy and maintain its optimal texture.

For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a splash of lime juice when incorporating the pineapple. The acidity will brighten the dish and enhance the sweetness of the fruit. Additionally, you might experiment with adding a few cashews or peanuts for crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and veggies.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
3 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy your flavorful and colorful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice!

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Chicken and Vegetables

Add the cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, stir-frying until the vegetables are tender, around 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Rice

Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes.

Introduce Pineapple and Seasoning

Fold in the pineapple, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with Green Onions

Lastly, mix in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute before serving.

Serve your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice hot, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance to save time on busy weeknights. Store the cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making this an excellent option for batch cooking. Just reheat your rice in the microwave with a splash of water before incorporating it into the recipe for optimum moisture.

If you want to freeze the fried rice for future meals, let it cool completely before portioning it into airtight containers. When reheating from frozen, warm it in a pan with a drizzle of oil over medium heat, breaking apart the rice gently with a spatula to ensure even heating throughout—this should take about 5-8 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

For an added layer of flavor, serve your Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on the side. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also enhance the presentation and add a nutty flavor. Additionally, consider pairing the dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens lightly dressed with vinaigrette for a full meal.

If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Simply marinate your protein choice in soy sauce and cook it until crispy before mixing it with the vegetables and rice. This keeps the same delicious taste while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly and save prep time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable soy sauce.

→ What if I don’t have day-old rice?

You can cook fresh rice and let it cool completely before using, but day-old rice is recommended for the best texture.

→ Can I add other proteins?

Absolutely! Shrimp or pork can also be delicious additions to this fried rice.