Bourbon Chicken with Pineapple Chunks Fried Rice in a Pineapple Bowl

If you love sweet, savory, and just a little smoky in one bite, this one is for you. Bourbon chicken is that mall-style classic we all secretly crave, but we’re elevating it with juicy pineapple fried rice and serving it inside a fresh pineapple bowl. It’s bold, tropical, and perfect for date night, Sunday dinner, or content that makes people stop scrolling.

For the Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup bourbon

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Pineapple Fried Rice

Instructions

1. 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

2. 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks (You can use the chunks from the pineapple bowl)

3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

4. 2 eggs, lightly beaten

5. 2 tbsp soy sauce

6. 1 tbsp sesame oil

7. 2 cloves garlic, minced

8. 2 tbsp butter or oil

9. ½ tsp black pepper

10. Optional: diced bell peppers, shrimp, or scallions

For the Pineapple Bowl

• 1 fresh pineapple, halved lengthwise

• Scoop out fruit and reserve chunks for rice

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple Bowl

1. Slice the pineapple lengthwise.

2. Carefully cut around the edges and scoop out the fruit, leaving a sturdy shell.

3. Dice the scooped pineapple into chunks and set aside for the fried rice.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove excess liquid if needed.

3. Add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

5. Pour sauce into the skillet and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.

6. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

7. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Fried Rice

1. Heat butter or oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

3. Push garlic to one side and scramble eggs on the other side of the pan.

4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes.

5. Stir in cooked rice, breaking up clumps.

6. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and pineapple chunks.

7. Stir-fry everything together until heated through and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Spoon the pineapple fried rice into the hollowed pineapple halves.

2. Top with a generous serving of bourbon chicken.

3. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds.

Serve warm and enjoy that sweet-savory combo in every bite.

Conclusion

This bourbon chicken with pineapple fried rice in a pineapple bowl is the kind of meal that looks impressive but is honestly simple to pull together. The bourbon sauce is rich and slightly sticky, the pineapple adds brightness, and the fried rice ties everything together with texture and flavor.

It’s perfect for entertaining, date nights, or when you just want to turn an ordinary dinner into something that feels special. And let’s be honest, serving it in a pineapple bowl? That’s the moment.