Chinese Pineapple Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Tangy, and Totally Irresistible!

Looking for a flavorful and healthy dinner that’s quick and easy to make? This Chinese Pineapple Chicken brings together the sweet tang of pineapple, savory spices, and tender chicken in one deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend dinners, this air fryer recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chinese Pineapple Chicken

🍗 Air Fryer Chicken for easy prep and a crispy finish
🍍 Packed with fresh pineapple flavor
🥦 Includes wholesome veggies like carrots, zucchini, and onions
🍚 Served over fluffy jasmine rice
🍽️ Ready in about 30 minutes (excluding marinating)

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
20 oz Pineapple Chunks, juice reserved
4 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
¼ tsp Pepper
¼ tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Garlic Salt
⅓ cup Sweet Chili Sauce
2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
¼ Medium Onion, sliced
1 cup Zucchini, sliced
3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup Jasmine Rice
1¾ cup Water

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix:

½ cup of pineapple juice (from the can)
2 tbsp olive oil
Pepper, onion powder, paprika, and garlic salt

Place the chicken cubes into a resealable bag or bowl and pour in the marinade. Refrigerate for 2–12 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan:

Add jasmine rice and water
Bring to a boil over medium heat
Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (do not lift the lid)
Fluff with a fork before serving

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Air fry marinated chicken for 12 minutes, turning halfway
Ensure chicken is golden and cooked through

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies & Sauce

In a frying pan over medium heat:

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauté carrots and onions for 4–5 minutes
Add zucchini, pineapple chunks, remaining pineapple juice, sweet chili sauce, and rice wine vinegar
Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Divide rice into four portions
Top each plate with a serving of sautéed vegetables and air-fried chicken
Serve immediately and enjoy!

🧑‍🍳 Tips & Substitutions

Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a spicier kick!

🔥 More Delicious Chicken Recipes

Looking to expand your chicken recipe repertoire? Try these reader favorites:

👉 Mongolian Chicken – Rich, savory, and perfect with steamed rice.
👉 Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Breasts – Sweet and smoky with a tropical twist.
👉 Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs – Ideal for BBQ nights and summer parties.

📌 Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pineapple Chicken recipe is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, it’s your new go-to meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health. Bookmark it now, and make your dinner routine more exciting!

📷 Pin & Share This Recipe!

Love it? Share this recipe with your friends or pin it to your “Weeknight Dinners” board on Pinterest!

Please check my Facebook page Joyful Little Things, or my Pinterest page Joyful Little Things for more recipes.

Chinese Pineapple Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and healthy dinner that’s quick and easy to make? This Chinese Pineapple Chicken brings together the sweet tang of pineapple, savory spices, and tender chicken in one deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend dinners, this air fryer recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: air fryer, chicken, chicken recipe, chinese, pork recipe, quick recipe, weeknight recipe, airfryer recipe, asian recipe, chinese recipe, rice recipe, pork recipe, quick recipe, easy recipe, weeknight meal, weeknight recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 559kcal

Equipment

1 Resealable Bag or a bowl with a lid for marinading
1 Small bowl
1 Medium sauce pan
1 Fry Pan
1 Measuring cups
1 Measuring spoons

Ingredients

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
20 oz Pineapple Chunks
4 tbsp Olive Oil divided
¼ tsp Pepper
¼ tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Garlic Salt
⅓ cup Sweet Chili Sauce
2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
¼ each Medium Onion
1 cup Zucchini sliced
3 each Carrots peeled and sliced
1 cup Jasmine Rice
1¾ cup Water

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and place into a resealable bag or a sealable bowl.
To make the marinade, in a small bowl mix together ½ cup pineapple juice from the can of pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp olive oil, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and garlic salt.
Add the marinade to the chicken. Marinade for 2-12 hours.
In a medium saucepan add the rice and the water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid. To stir, just give the pan a gentle shake. Remove from the heat when done. Fluff with a fork before serving.
While the rice is cooking prepare the chicken and the vegetables and sauce.
To prepare the chicken, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Add the chicken cubes and air fry for 12 minutes turning halfway through. Cook until golden and no longer pink inside.
Meanwhile, heat up 2 tbsp olive oil in a fry pan on medium heat. Add the carrots and onion. Saute for 4-5 minutes. Add the zucchini, the pineapple chucks and the remaining pineapple juice, sweet chili sauce, and the rice wine vinegar. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
To serve put a quarter of the rice on a plate. Top with a quarter of the vegetables and a quarter of the chicken. Serve immediately.