This Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice is a tropical twist on a family favorite! It's a tasty recipe that complements many dishes, or can be enjoyed as a main course on its own.
Fried rice is a staple in my house. It's one dish that every family member loves, and it goes with so many different main courses.
While I love making Filipino Bacon Fried Rice, during the summer it's time to add a fun and tasty tropical twist. This recipe for Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice is just what sunny summer days need!
Tools & Equipment
You'll need a few kitchen basics to make this dish.
- A large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl and whisk - to beat the eggs
- Medium bowl - to hold the eggs once they are cooked
Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice Ingredients
Vegetable Oil - Start with two tablespoons and feel free to add a little more to the pan if you need to as you cook the different components of this dish.
Chicken - I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, with the fat trimmed off then cut into equal-sized 1" pieces. You can also use chicken breasts.
Rice - I use typically use jasmine rice for my fried rice. You can also use long-grain white rice.
Onions, Garlic, Ginger - These three aromatics are necessary for the delicious flavor in this dish!
Carrots - Add these to the pan before the other vegetables since they take a little longer to cook.
Peas and Corn - You can use frozen peas and corn, just be sure to thaw completely before cooking.
Pineapple - I use fresh pineapple and chop into small pieces. However, you could also use canned crushed pineapple or canned pineapple chunks if you like. Just be sure to drain the pineapple juice out before adding to the pan.
For the sauce, you'll need:
Soy Sauce - You can substitute your favorite coconut aminos if you prefer.
Oyster Sauce - This is a staple in Filipino cooking and I find it adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce instead of just using soy sauce. You can substitute hoisin sauce instead if you don't have oyster sauce. Or, increase the amount of soy sauce you use.
Sesame Oil -Sesame oil not only is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also adds an earthy, nutty flavor to any dish.
Sugar - A teaspoon of granulated sugar helps balance out the flavors of the sauce.
For garnish:
Parsley and/or green onions - I like adding both to finish off the dish, but you can choose to use one or the other. Green onions are often a main ingredient in fried rice and not a garnish, but I find the sharpness of the flavor can cause imbalance in this pineapple fried rice, so I just add as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
Here are step-by-step instructions to help you make this dish! Be sure to print out or follow the RECIPE CARD at the bottom of the post. It has the FULL INGREDIENT LIST + INSTRUCTIONS!
- MAKE THE SAUCE. In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Set aside.
- COOK THE RICE. Cook rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, make the rest of the dish.
- COOK THE EGGS. In a large skillet, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs and use a rubber spatula to scramble the eggs. Once cooked through, remove from the pan and transfer to a plate or bowl. Set aside.
- If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté with the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the carrots, corn, and peas to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Then add the pineapple, stir into the other ingredients.
- Add the rice and pour in the sauce. Stir all ingredients together to combine and coat the rice well with the sauce.
- Add the eggs back into the pan and combine with the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle with green onions to garnish and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
For a fun, tropical presentation that's perfect for parties, try serving it in a pineapple boat!
- Using a sharp large knife, carefully slice a pineapple in half.
- Use the knife to make cuts about 1-inch in from the borders, creating a rectangle outline in the middle of one half. Use a spoon or fork to remove the pineapple fruit from within that rectangle, taking care just to scoop out the top and making sure there is enough fruit/skin at the bottom to hold the rice.
- Spoon the cooked pineapple fried rice into the hollowed out rectangle of the pineapple half. Serve!
To enjoy this for a typical family dinner, we serve this family-style in a large bowl.
What to Serve with Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
Fried rice goes well as a side dish with many different main courses. Here are some of my favorites:
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
- Soy Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus
- Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Scallops
- Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
- Wonton Noodle Soup
Recipe FAQs
While it's not a required step to cooking rice, I recommend rinsing rice under cold water for a couple of minutes before cooking. This step helps remove the surface starch from rice and helps them cook up nice and fluffy. If you do not rinse rice before cooking, it will still be edible. However, because of the starches, it may have a more gummy texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When reheating in the microwave, you may want to add a teaspoon to a tablespoon of soy sauce to "wake up" the flavors. I also add a quick sprinkle of water on top to "wake up" the rice and reintroduce moisture so it reheats well.
Wine pairings for fried rice
I really enjoy this tropical flavored fried rice with a Viognier. The stone and tropical fruit notes in the Viognier complement the flavors of this pineapple fried rice.
You could also serve this with a dry or off-dry Riesling, an unoaked Chardonnay, or a dry Rosé.
More Asian-inspired recipes to try
- Filipino Fried Rice
- Easy Kung Pao Chicken
- Chicken Yakisoba Noodles
- Shrimp and Pork Wontons in Chili Oil
- Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles
- Filipino Lumpia
Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
Ingredients
To Make the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
For the rice
- 1½ cups jasmine rice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger
- ½ finely diced small yellow onion
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup corn
- 1½ cups diced pineapple
- ¼ cup sliced green onion
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Set aside.
- Cook rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, make the rest of the dish.
- In a large skillet, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs and use a rubber spatula to scramble the eggs. Once cooked through, remove from the pan and transfer to a plate or bowl. Set aside.
- If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté with the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the carrots, corn, and peas to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Then add the pineapple, stir into the other ingredients.
- Add the rice and pour in the sauce. Stir all ingredients together to combine and coat the rice well with the sauce.
- Add the eggs back into the pan and combine with the other ingredients. Sprinkle with green onions to garnish and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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Denay DeGuzman says
This pineapple rice is so delicious! I served it with grilled chicken and tender leafy greens. Everyone loved it!
Elizabeth says
Such a flavorful and delicious dinner! My whole family loved it!
Ryan says
This was so good! I loved all the different vegetables that you added to this recipe. It really made all the flavors pop.
Claudia Lamascolo says
What a wonderful combination of flavors this was delicious and not too sweet!
Tavo says
Delicious recipe! Thanks for sharing. I loved the tangy notes from the pineapple.