Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Name: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup diced chicken breast; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love whipping up quick, colorful meals that are both satisfying and full of flavor, and Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is one of my favorites. This dish combines the sweetness of pineapple with tender chicken and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried with perfectly cooked rice. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice while delighting the entire family with its vibrant flavors.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-29T23:55:28.303Z

When I first made Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a burst of flavors. The freshness of the pineapple paired with tender chicken and a savory sauce transforms leftovers into something extraordinary. I like to add bell peppers and peas for color and nutrition, ensuring each bite is a delightful surprise. Stir-frying on high heat keeps the veggies vibrant and crisp, which I believe enhances the dish's appeal.

Through trial and error, I've learned that using day-old rice is the key to achieving that perfect texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be mushy, while cold, leftover rice gives you that coveted wok-fried quality. I often prepare a batch of rice in advance, store it in the fridge, and whip up this dish whenever the craving hits. It's a fun, quick meal that's satisfying and easy to customize!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors that create a perfect balance
Fast preparation for busy weeknights or unexpected guests
Colorful presentation that makes the dish visually appealing

Perfecting Your Fried Rice Technique

When preparing Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, using day-old rice is key to achieving the right texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can result in clumpy fried rice. Instead, spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly before refrigerating. This step allows the grains to dry out slightly, making them firmer and less likely to stick together when stir-frying.

Another crucial technique is to ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding ingredients. Heating the pan until it's just starting to smoke will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables, enhancing their flavors. If the heat is too low, the ingredients may steam instead of stir-fry, which can lead to a lack of that desirable crispy texture.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of pineapple and chicken in this recipe not only offers a delightful flavor contrast but also adds a range of textures. Pineapple brings a juicy sweetness and a slight acidity that balances the savory notes of the soy and oyster sauces. If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple can be used – just make sure to drain it well to prevent excess liquid from making the fried rice soggy.

For the vegetables, feel free to customize based on what's in your pantry. Carrots, snap peas, or even corn would all work well. Just remember to cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a bit of crunch, contributing to the overall texture of the dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup diced chicken breast
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the bell peppers and peas, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften, but still retain crunch.

Combine Rice and Sauces

Add the cooked rice, diced pineapple, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated, for about 2-3 minutes.

Final Touches

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Drizzle with sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine all ingredients and heat through for another 2 minutes. Top with chopped green onions before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of chili sauce or a sprinkle of cashews before serving. This will give your fried rice a nice kick and a delightful crunch!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice can be prepped ahead of time for ease during busy weeknights. You can chop the vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep the rice separate until you're ready to fry everything together. This will help minimize moisture absorption and keep the rice fluffy when you finally cook it.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the rice and cover it to generate steam, which will help rehydrate the rice without overcooking it. This method helps in regaining the fluffy texture while ensuring the flavors stay vibrant.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian option by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just ensure you press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cubing and stir-frying it until golden. Additionally, using a plant-based oyster sauce or a soy sauce substitute will keep the dish entirely vegetarian while retaining that umami flavor.

Serve this vibrant fried rice as a main dish, or as a side to complement other Asian-inspired meals. For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top just before serving. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also add a refreshing note that brightens the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?

While it's possible, freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky. Using day-old rice yields better texture.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can customize this fried rice with various veggies such as carrots, corn, or snap peas based on your preference.

→ Can I make this a vegetarian dish?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or skip the protein altogether and increase the amount of vegetables.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.