Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pan dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant vegetables. This quick and easy meal requires minimal cleanup and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while impressing family and friends with a tropical flair.
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; sesame oil adds a nutty flavor)
For the Sauce
- 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 (consider using maple syrup as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (can use white vinegar as a substitute)
- 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 chunks)
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced (substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives can be used as a substitute)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds (for serving; customize based on taste preferences)
- Crushed red pepper (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: 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. Once cooked, set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and rice or apple cider vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: Stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce to thicken it. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the sautéed chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to evenly coat everything in the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, warming it through and combining thoroughly with the chicken and sauce. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, optionally topping with crushed red pepper for an extra kick of spice. Enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Mix cornstarch with water thoroughly before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Adjust sweetness or spice by adding more honey, sriracha, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Use freshly cooked rice that has cooled slightly to prevent clumping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
- Customize with extra vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, one-pan dinner, quick chicken recipe, tropical chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner
