Thai Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice

Written by
Darlene Schmidt
Darlene Schmidt is a cookbook author and culinary teacher who specializes in Thai cuisine.
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Darlene Schmidt
Updated 07/02/19
Chicken fried rice with pineapple
Pineapple chicken fried rice.

Joy Atkinson/Getty Images
  • Total: 30 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 portions (4-6 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
1171 Calories
48g Fat
103g Carbs
78g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6 portions (4-6 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 1171
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 48g 62%
Saturated Fat 12g 58%
Cholesterol 244mg 81%
Sodium 923mg 40%
Total Carbohydrate 103g 37%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Protein 78g
Calcium 141mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you're a fried rice fan, you'll absolutely love this scrumptious Thai version of chicken fried rice. What we enjoy most about this dish is that every bite is different: sometimes you get a sweet-savory combination of pineapple and chicken, at other times you taste the spicy flavor of the rice together with the contrasting texture of nuts and raisins. There's a little prep work involved, but the actual cooking time is fast and easy. Makes a great dish for everyday eating as well as parties. Note the use of individual spices rather than curry powder in the stir-fry sauce, which makes it different from other pineapple rice recipes, and makes it taste better too. 

Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 cups white jasmine rice (cooked)
  • 2 chicken breasts (or 2 to 3 thighs, chopped into small pieces)
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoon onion (minced)
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 chili (fresh red or green minced, or 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed chili)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (whole)
  • 1 carrot (small sliced or chopped into small pieces)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 3 tablespoon raisins (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup peas (frozen)
  • 1/4 cup cashews (dry roasted, unsalted)
  • Garnish: cilantro (fresh)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • For Stir-Fry Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/3 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Steps to Make It

  1. Place chopped chicken in a bowl together with the soy sauce. Stir to combine and set aside to marinate while you finish your other prep work.

  2. Combine all stir-fry sauce ingredients together in a cup, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Set aside. (Note: If using fresh pineapple, you will have to press some of the fruit to come up with the juice, but the fresh taste will be worth it).

  3. Place a wok or a large, deep frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.

  4. Drizzle in the oil, then add the onion, garlic, chili, whole cumin, and carrot. Stir-fry 1 minute.

  5. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until chicken turns white and opaque.

  6. Crack in the egg and continue stir-frying, breaking up the egg with your utensil into small pieces to combine with the other ingredients.

  7. Add the stir-fry sauce you made earlier. Also add the cooked rice, pineapple, raisins, and peas. Fry together by gently stirring, lifting and turning.

  8. Break up any clumps of rice by pressing down against them with the flat side of your utensil. Fry in this way 3 to 5 minutes, or until rice is a uniform golden color.

  9. Finally, add the cashews and stir them in.

  10. Remove from heat and taste-test, adding more fish sauce for a saltier, more flavorful rice. If you prefer spicier rice, add more fresh or dried chili.

  11. Top your fried rice with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro.