Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

The first time I made Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice, I was hooked. The sweet, tropical flavor of the fruit pairs perfectly with the rich, salty flavors of the vegetables, aromatics and soy sauce.

I like to make a big batch at the beginning of the week and store it in meal prep containers for quick lunches or for an easy and healthy weeknight meal for the family. This healthy fried rice is another favorite.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. It can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and eggs, gluten-free by swapping out the soy sauce for soy sauce, or even grain-free/paleo by swapping out the brown rice for cauliflower rice. The options are truly endless, so there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

If you’ve never had pineapple fried rice before, the concept might sound a little strange. However, there’s a reason why so many people love grilled pineapple meat and pineapple pizza. When cooked, the flavor of this tropical fruit becomes more intense and tastes even more delicious. Therefore, pineapple is one of the best fruits to pair with savory dishes, for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

After trying this recipe, I guarantee you will become a believer. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight recipe, Pineapple Fried Rice is perfect. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think! For more Chinese side dishes, try this Chicken Chow Mein or Lo Mein .

Key ingredients and easily interchangeable

To make this healthy fried rice recipe, you will need the following main ingredients:

• brown rice: Any kind of rice will work, but I like to use brown rice in this recipe. Fried rice tastes best when the rice is cooked ahead of time and cooled completely.
• chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs, either will work. You can also use pork, shrimp or tofu.
• pineapple: This adds an amazing sweetness to an otherwise delicious dish, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Fresh is fine, but so is canned pineapple.
• vegetable: I like to use peas, carrots, bell peppers, and onions in this recipe. However, this can be made with any combination of vegetables you like or have on hand.
• Fragrance: Chopped garlic and ginger add a lot of flavor. Fresh works best, but you can use the dried version if desired.
• soy sauce: This is the key to any fried rice and provides a delicious umami flavor. For a gluten-free swap, you can use soy sauce instead. Coconut amino acids are also effective, but you may need more.

Make it yours! Recipe Ideas

When it comes to fried rice recipes, there are many ways you can customize the dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this dish:

• If you can’t find fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure not to buy the syrup-packed kind, as these variations contain sugar.
• For a show-stopping presentation, try serving this dish in a hollow pineapple. This is sure to be a hit with the masses!
• Not in the mood for chicken? You can swap it out for shrimp, ham or tofu.
• You can make this dish vegetarian-friendly by simply omitting the chicken and eggs.
• For a paleo-friendly and grain-free version, try using cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
• Looking for a little heat? You can spice up this dish by adding diced chiles or a splash of Sriracha.

What to Serve with Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

While this dish is delicious and satisfying on its own, there are many side dishes you can serve with it at a family meal or dinner party. Side dishes like egg rolls, soups, and roasted vegetables are usually my go-to. If you need a little inspiration, here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with fried rice:

How to store this dish

This dish is super easy to store, so it’s a great option for meal prep! I like to make a big batch on Sunday and keep it in the freezer throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners. When storing leftovers, you first need to let the fried rice cool to room temperature. Once cool, transfer to an airtight storage bag or container. You can then store the fried rice in one of two ways:

• in the refrigerator Up to 5-7 days.
• in the refrigerator Up to 6 months.