Quick & Easy Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
Seasoned rice stir-fried with juicy marinated chicken, vegetables, sweet pineapple, and aromatics in one pan. This easy chicken pineapple fried rice recipe uses simple ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes with leftover rice, making it great for busy weeknights. A family-friendly main or meal that is cheaper and better than takeout.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (or white long-grain or short-grain rice, cold, day-old)
- 1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and/or green beans (rinsed and strained well))
- 1 cup pineapple (chunks)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1.5 tbsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- 1 tsp fish sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
- 2 tsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (don't skip this!)
Instructions
- 1
Break up cold day-old rice with a rice paddle or clean hands to separate the grains and set aside.
- 2
Thinly slice the chicken thighs into 1/4-inch thick pieces against the grain at a 45-degree angle. Then transfer to a medium bowl and marinate with the marinade ingredients as listed above for 15 minutes.
- 3
Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- 4
Next, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and softened, about 15-30 seconds.
- 5
Add mixed vegetables and diced pineapples and cook for 3-4 minutes, evaporating any liquids in the base of the pan. Push everything to the side of the pan to create space.
- 6
Into the space, add the remaining vegetable oil and rice. Then season with regular soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the rice is evenly coated.
- 7
Add the cooked chicken and toss until evenly combined, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and enjoy!