Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet

Name: Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati); 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks in juice; 1 large lime, juiced and zested; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love the burst of flavors in this Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet! The combination of juicy chicken, tangy lime, and sweet pineapple creates a harmonious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s quick to make, taking just a little over half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The rice absorbs the juices beautifully, resulting in a meal that doesn’t just taste fantastic but also looks vibrant. Trust me, this dish will transport you to tropical paradise with every bite!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-16T06:01:36.326Z

When I first made this Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet, I was looking for something bright and tropical to lighten up our dinner routine. As soon as I added the zesty lime juice and sweet pineapple chunks to the sizzling chicken, I knew I was onto something special. It turned out that the acidity of the lime truly made the chicken tender and infused the rice with an all-new level of flavor!

One little tip I want to share is to let the skillet rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, and you’ll find every bite bursting with taste. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference in creating that satisfying, flavorful bite every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavors that uplift your meal
A one-pan dish for easy cleanup
Perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite

Cooking with Pineapple

Pineapple plays a key role in this recipe, not only adding sweetness but also imparting moisture to the chicken and rice. When selecting pineapple chunks, opt for those packed in juice rather than syrup to maintain the freshness and lower the sugar content. This ensures that the natural sweetness complements the dish instead of overwhelming it. The juices from the pineapple will enhance the flavor profile, making each bite incredibly juicy and satisfying.

Additionally, if you prefer a more intense pineapple flavor, you can incorporate fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just peel and cut the pineapple into chunks, ensuring they are about the same size as the canned pieces for even cooking. Adding fresh pineapple can also introduce a slight tartness that elevates the dish, creating a more vibrant taste overall.

Perfecting the Rice

Rice can be a tricky ingredient, often becoming mushy or undercooked if not monitored closely. For this skillet dish, using jasmine or basmati rice helps retain texture while absorbing the flavorful broth. I recommend rinsing the rice under cold water before adding it to the skillet, which helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping. This small step can make a significant difference in achieving fluffy rice that crowns your dish beautifully.

During the simmering phase, ensure the heat is low enough to maintain a gentle bubble. If the heat is too high, you risk burning the bottom rice, leaving you with a scorched layer. Covering the skillet is essential to trap steam, allowing the rice to cook evenly. I like to peek after the first 15 minutes; if the rice isn't quite tender, another few minutes should do the trick. Just remember to keep the lid on for these additional minutes!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to get started.

For the Chicken and Rice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati)
1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
1 large lime, juiced and zested
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Once you have everything, you'll be ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your dish.

Sauté the Chicken

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

Add Onions and Garlic

Incorporate the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Mix in Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, pineapple chunks with juice, lime juice, and lime zest. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Rice

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious and tropical chicken rice skillet!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in lime juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute brown rice, but make sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet is not just a one-and-done meal; it serves wonderfully as a base for various protein additions. You might consider pairing it with shrimp or tofu for a different twist or even for meal prep throughout the week. Leftovers can be a great way to use up ingredientes; simply reheat the skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the moisture and flavors.

For an aesthetic edge, serve this dish with lime wedges on the side and a sprinkle of additional cilantro. You can also elevate your meal by serving it with a side of quick-pickled vegetables, enhancing the tropical flavor with a crunch of acidity. Each bite of the chicken and rice, complemented by the tangy lime and slightly sweet pineapple, will be sure to delight.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, refrigerating the Pineapple Lime Chicken Rice Skillet is a breeze. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor profile and texture, I suggest placing a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture, which helps keep the rice from becoming too wet.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can either microwave the dish or heat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the dish. Heat in intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If using the stovetop, do so over low heat while periodically adding a bit of liquid to prevent sticking. This will ensure your tropical flavors remain vibrant, just like they were on the first day!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to thaw and dice it before cooking for even cooking.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian twist!

→ Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or snap peas would be great additions for more color and nutrition.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.