One-Skillet BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Rice

Is there anything better than a dinner that comes together in one pan, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor? I don’t think so. As a dad with three hungry kids and a busy schedule, my skillet is my best friend in the kitchen. It’s where I create those easy meals that feel like a warm hug. This BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Rice Skillet is exactly that kind of dish. It’s a little sweet, a little smoky, and entirely satisfying, proving that healthy dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated. It’s the perfect solution when you’re staring into the fridge wondering what on earth to make for dinner.

Top Reasons To Make It

• It’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning your cleanup is a breeze.
• The combination of savory BBQ and sweet pineapple is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
• Using just a single skillet makes this one of the easiest weeknight dinners you’ll ever pull off.
• It’s incredibly flexible—you can easily swap the veggies or protein based on what you have on hand.
• Leftovers are fantastic, making tomorrow’s lunch a no-brainer.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thighs stay so, so tender compared to breasts.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a subtle sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect starch to soak up all the saucy goodness.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Cooks the rice and adds depth.
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: The star of the flavor show.
• 1 (15 oz) can pineapple chunks, juice reserved: The sweet, tangy twist that makes this dish special.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness without any smoked meat.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To season every layer.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the dry rice, toasting it for about a minute with the veggies. This simple step gives the rice a wonderful nutty flavor.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and the reserved juice from the pineapple can. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s pure flavor right there.
5. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the browned chicken and pineapple chunks. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 18-20 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the skillet sit, still covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve immediately.

Variations & Substitutions

• No Chicken Thighs? Use chicken breasts or even a can of chickpeas for a plant-based version. You’ll just add the chickpeas in with the pineapple.
• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Honestly, if you love a little kick, it’s a must-try.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end, letting it wilt in the residual heat.
• Rice Swap: Brown rice works well but will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Try adding an extra ½ cup of broth and cooking for 30-35 minutes.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This skillet meal is pretty complete on its own, but a simple side can really round it out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For a quick and easy dinner idea, some warmed cornbread or a crusty baguette on the side is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce. In the summer, serve it with grilled zucchini or corn on the cob for a true taste of the season.

Cooking Method & Tips

This method is all about building layers of flavor in one pan. My biggest tip? Don’t skip browning the chicken. It creates a fond—those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan—that makes the sauce incredibly rich. Also, resist the urge to peek under the lid while the rice is cooking! Keeping that steam trapped inside is crucial for fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. And a quick note on the BBQ sauce: since it’s a main flavor component, use one you genuinely love the taste of on its own.

Storage & Reheating

Let the dish cool completely before storing it. It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to keep the rice from drying out, and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also microwave single portions, but cover them with a damp paper towel to add moisture back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh pineapple? Absolutely! You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of fresh chunks. Just add an extra ¼ cup of broth or water to make up for the missing canned juice.
• My rice is still hard, what happened? This usually means the liquid boiled off too quickly. Next time, ensure you’re cooking on the lowest possible simmer and that your lid fits tightly. You can add a few more tablespoons of broth now, cover it, and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Is this one of those cheap dinners for a family? You bet. Using affordable staples like chicken thighs, rice, and canned pineapple makes it a budget-friendly win.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Sure can! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and soften the veggies. Then add everything except the pineapple, pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the pineapple after.

So good. I hope this BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Rice Skillet becomes a regular in your rotation of easy healthy dinner recipes. It’s a dish that proves a fantastic meal doesn’t have to be complicated.