Pineapple Chicken Rice Meal Prep

Name: Pineapple Chicken Rice Meal Prep
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Food Inspirations

I love how this Pineapple Chicken Rice Meal Prep combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients to create a delightful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of taste. Whether packed for lunch or enjoyed fresh, it keeps its deliciousness intact, making it a favorite in our home. Plus, it's so simple to make that I often find myself whipping up a batch to enjoy throughout the week!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:13:36.057Z

When I first thought about combining pineapple with chicken, I hesitated. However, after trying it, I realized the sweetness perfectly balances the savory chicken, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also refreshing. The method really brings out the flavors — searing the chicken first enhances its juiciness, while adding the pineapple towards the end keeps it fresh and vibrant.

I've also experimented with spices, and I suggest a touch of ginger and garlic for an extra kick. This combination has become a staple for my meal prep, always bringing a smile to my face when I open the fridge and see it waiting for me!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken.
A balanced, nutritious meal that's easy to prepare ahead of time.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of chicken and pineapple in this dish not only offers a unique flavor profile but also brings nutritional balance. The chicken breast is lean and high in protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Pineapple adds a touch of sweetness along with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider substituting the chicken breast for tofu or seitan to cater to a vegetarian or vegan diet. This maintains the protein content while allowing those flavors to shine through.

The vegetables play a crucial role in adding texture and color to the Pineapple Chicken Rice. Bell peppers not only provide a crunch but also introduce a slight sweetness when sautéed, complementing the pineapple. Onions, once cooked, become sweet and soft, creating a flavorful base. You can experiment with other vegetables like snap peas or carrots, which can be added in the sautéing step. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken thoroughly is key to achieving that golden exterior while keeping the inside moist. When you dice the chicken, aim for uniform pieces. This enables even cooking and prevents some pieces from being overdone. A medium-high heat is ideal—too hot and the chicken will brown too quickly, leading to a dry texture, while too low will result in longer cooking times. Use a meat thermometer for extra assurance, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Incorporating the soy sauce at the right time is essential for maximum flavor. Adding it to the mix after the rice and pineapple helps to ensure the grains absorb the savory liquid, making each bite enjoyable. Be cautious not to overcook after adding these ingredients; just 3-5 minutes on medium heat is enough for everything to heat through and become cohesive without drying out.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start your culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken Rice

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry for these staples!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Pineapple and Rice

Mix in the pineapple chunks and cooked rice. Pour in the soy sauce and gently toss all the ingredients together. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm or divide into meal prep containers.

Enjoy your meal prep throughout the week!

Pro Tips

For added depth, try marinating the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Also, swapping out white rice for brown rice can enhance the nutritional value.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Pineapple Chicken Rice is perfect for meal prepping. Once prepared, allow it to cool before transferring to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing its flavor or texture. If you want to freeze portions for later, ensure they are in freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. This dish maintains quality for up to three months in the freezer, making it an excellent option for busy weeks.

When it comes to reheating, a microwave is the quickest method. However, for an even better texture, consider warming it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional soy sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes.

Flavor Variations

For a more tropical flavor, try adding a splash of coconut milk to the dish when mixing in the rice. This will give it a creamy texture reminiscent of classic Thai recipes. Additionally, tossing in some chopped cilantro or mint just before serving can elevate the freshness of the dish, giving it a bright finish.

If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage. Pairing it with a squeeze of lime just before serving can also enhance the overall profile — balancing the sweetness of the pineapple with a zesty kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can keep this meal prep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add peas, carrots, or any seasonal veggies you like!

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use a plant-based soy sauce.