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 chicken breast, diced; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cups jasmine rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: 30-Minute Meals

I love meal prepping, and this Pineapple Chicken Rice recipe has become a favorite in my rotation! It's not only easy to make, but it also combines the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple with savory chicken and fluffy rice. The best part is that it stays delicious throughout the week, making it perfect for those busy days when I need a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, the vibrant colors make my meal prep containers a delight to look at.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:15:36.099Z

When I first experimented with this Pineapple Chicken Rice, I wanted to make something that was both nutritious and flavorful. The combination of chicken marinated in a tangy pineapple sauce, paired with fluffy rice, turned out to be a delightful surprise. I particularly enjoy adding a splash of lime juice right before serving to enhance the flavors.

This meal prep has not only saved me time during the week but has also encouraged me to be creative with my vegetables. Adding bell peppers and snap peas made it even more colorful and nutritious, ensuring that I look forward to lunch every day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors that complement each other perfectly
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein
Ideal for meal prepping, keeping well in the fridge for days

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring it remains tender. Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps the meat absorb the sweet and savory notes from the soy sauce and honey, creating a delectable base. If you're short on time, you can marinate for as little as 10 minutes; however, the longer you let it sit, the more intense the flavors will become. For additional depth, consider adding a tablespoon of rice vinegar or a splash of sesame oil to the marinade.

To elevate the taste, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps tenderize the chicken even further. This will give a lovely contrast in texture, with the juiciness from the pineapple balancing the savory elements of the dish. Make sure the pineapple pieces are cut into small, uniform chunks to ensure they mix well with the chicken during cooking.

Versatile Rice Preparation

Cooking jasmine rice in chicken broth not only enhances its flavor but also elevates the overall dish significantly. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will keep the grains from becoming gummy. Instead of using jasmine rice, you can opt for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist; just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice requires about 40-45 minutes to cook while quinoa cooks in about 15 minutes.

When fluffing rice, use a fork instead of a spoon to separate the grains gently without mashing them. This simple technique allows the rice to remain light and airy, providing a great base for your stir-fry. If you find yourself with leftover rice, it keeps wonderfully in the fridge and can be used in fried rice dishes or salads. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Smart Storage Solutions

For meal prepping, divide the Pineapple Chicken and rice mixture into individual containers while still warm. This practice helps to prevent condensation, which can make your food soggy over time. These meals can last in the fridge for up to five days, making it easy to grab and go. If you want to freeze portions, make sure they cool completely before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags; they'll stay fresh for up to three months.

When reheating, it's essential to do it gently to avoid overcooking the chicken. I recommend using a microwave-safe container, covering it loosely, and heating in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warmed through. For a quick stovetop solution, add a splash of chicken broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally for even heating. This method not only warms your meal but also keeps it moist.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 cups chicken breast, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Rice

2 cups jasmine rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Steps

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and vegetable oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add jasmine rice, turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until cooked. Fluff with a fork.

Stir-fry the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the bell peppers and snap peas to the skillet and stir-fry for another 5 minutes. Serve this mixture over the cooked rice and garnish with green onions.

Enjoy Your Meal Prep!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. This dish also pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

Flavor Enhancements

If you're looking to add extra depth to the dish, consider incorporating additional vegetables into the stir-fry. Items like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini can add color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavor balance. Sauté these for a few minutes before adding the bell peppers and snap peas to ensure they cook evenly and provide a satisfying crunch.

For those who enjoy spice, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha during the stir-frying step. This will give the dish a pleasant kick without overshadowing the sweet and savory profile. You could also garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for an added layer of flavor and texture.

Meal Prep Tips

Setting up an efficient meal prep session is key to making this Pineapple Chicken Rice effortlessly. Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the vegetables before any cooking begins. This step not only saves time but also helps visualize the quantities needed, minimizing waste. Have your meal prep containers ready to streamline the portioning process once everything is cooked.

A great way to enhance your meal prep is to batch-cook the chicken and rice separately so you can mix and match them throughout the week. This flexibility allows you to enjoy different flavor profiles by varying your sauces and sides. You can also try serving it with a fresh salad or wrapped in lettuce for a refreshing twist.

Cultural Twist Variations

To give your Pineapple Chicken Rice a cultural twist, consider adding elements of Hawaiian or Thai cuisine. For a Hawaiian vibe, toss in macadamia nuts and serve with a side of grilled pineapple. For a Thai influence, a splash of coconut milk can be added to the rice cooking liquid, giving a creamy texture that complements the other flavors beautifully.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and marinate it with the same ingredients. This not only maintains the flavor profile but also ensures that your meals are plant-based without losing that savory essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but make sure to adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes.

→ How long can I store the meal prep in the fridge?

You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make this meal vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth for the rice.

→ Can I freeze this meal prep?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.