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