Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy Recipe

Introduction

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a tangy pineapple sauce and combined with colorful vegetables and rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (for sautéing)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium is a healthier alternative)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (use juice from canned pineapple for convenience)
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar can be used in a pinch)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps)
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned chunks)
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced (other bell peppers or snap peas work too)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives make a great substitute)
• Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, crushed red pepper for extra spice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken breast pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar, then stir well and bring to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into the sauce to thicken it. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in cooked rice, warming it through and combining all ingredients well, about 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!

Tips & Variations

• For a juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breast.
• Substitute garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable to save prep time.
• Add snap peas or other colorful vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Adjust sweetness by using brown sugar or maple syrup depending on taste preferences.

Storage

Store leftover pineapple chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pineapple chunks work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish reheats well and makes a convenient, flavorful meal for busy weekdays.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 649 reviews

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a glossy pineapple-soy sauce, mixed with vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks, served over fluffy rice. This easy one-pan skillet meal is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner with tropical flair.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (used for sautéing)

For the Sauce

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (use juice from canned pineapple for convenience)
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar can be used in a pinch)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to avoid lumps)
• 1 tbsp Water

For the Main Dish

• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned)
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced (substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives make a great substitute)

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper (optional for extra spice)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce to help thicken it. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until it is warmed through and fully combined with the sauce and other ingredients. This process should take approximately 2 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the Pineapple Chicken and Rice hot and enjoy the tropical burst of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

• For a juicier chicken, consider using chicken thighs instead of breast.
• Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier option without compromising flavor.
• Use fresh pineapple for the best texture, or canned pineapple chunks properly drained.
• Substitute garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.
• Adjust sweetness by choosing between honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup based on preference.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
• Serve with different rice varieties like jasmine or brown rice to vary texture and flavor.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick skillet meal, easy weeknight dinner, Asian chicken recipe, pineapple sauce chicken