Pineapple Chicken Rice, known in Thailand as Khao Pad Sapparot Gai, is a vibrant and flavorful Thai fried rice dish that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, fragrant jasmine rice, and aromatic seasonings. The natural sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken and Thai sauces, creating a delicious balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Often served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell at Thai restaurants, this colorful dish is a favorite for family meals, parties, and special occasions.

What is Pineapple Chicken Rice?

Pineapple Chicken Rice is a Thai-style fried rice made by stir-frying cooked jasmine rice with chicken, pineapple chunks, vegetables, and seasonings such as fish sauce, soy sauce, and curry powder. The combination of sweet fruit and savory ingredients is a hallmark of Thai cuisine, resulting in a dish that is rich in flavor and texture.

The addition of cashews and raisins is common, providing extra crunch and sweetness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Great use for leftover rice
  • Packed with colorful ingredients
  • Family-friendly and satisfying
  • Restaurant-style Thai dish at home

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
  • 300 g chicken breast or thigh, diced
  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup carrots, diced
  • ½ cup peas
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup roasted cashews
  • 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

For the Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Extra cashews

Equipment Needed

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Wooden spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook and cool the jasmine rice in advance.

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Cut the pineapple into small chunks.

Prepare all vegetables and seasonings before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.

Add:

  • Garlic
  • Onion

Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken.

Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden.

Add carrots and peas.

Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add the cooked jasmine rice.

Break apart any clumps with the spatula.

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until evenly heated.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Add:

  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Curry powder
  • White pepper
  • Palm sugar

Stir well to coat every grain of rice.

Step 6: Add Pineapple and Cashews

Gently fold in:

  • Pineapple chunks
  • Roasted cashews
  • Raisins (if using)
  • Green onions

Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Avoid overcooking the pineapple to maintain its fresh texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the rice to serving plates or a hollowed pineapple shell for an authentic presentation.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Cucumber slices
  • Additional cashews

Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

  • Day-old rice provides the best fried rice texture.
  • Fresh pineapple offers superior flavor compared to canned pineapple.
  • Use high heat to create a smoky wok aroma.
  • Add pineapple near the end of cooking to preserve its sweetness and texture.
  • Roasted cashews add a traditional Thai crunch.

Variations

Shrimp Pineapple Rice

Replace chicken with shrimp for a popular seafood version.

Mixed Seafood Pineapple Rice

Add shrimp, squid, and crab meat for a deluxe variation.

Vegetarian Pineapple Rice

Use tofu and replace fish sauce and oyster sauce with soy sauce.

Spicy Pineapple Chicken Rice

Add sliced Thai bird's eye chilies or chili flakes.

Health Benefits

This dish provides:

  • Lean protein from chicken
  • Vitamin C from pineapple
  • Fiber from vegetables
  • Healthy fats from cashews
  • Energy from jasmine rice

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple Chicken Rice pairs perfectly with:

  • Thai spring rolls
  • Tom Yum soup
  • Papaya salad (Som Tam)
  • Grilled chicken skewers
  • Thai iced tea
  • Fresh tropical fruit

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a wok or skillet until warmed through.

For best flavor and texture, enjoy freshly prepared.

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Chicken Rice (Khao Pad Sapparot Gai) is a colorful and flavorful Thai fried rice dish that beautifully combines sweet pineapple, tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and crunchy cashews. Its balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes it a standout meal that is both comforting and exciting.

Serve it in a pineapple shell for a restaurant-style presentation and enjoy a delicious taste of Thailand at home.