Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that combines tender sautéed chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and a tangy savory sauce. This easy one-pan dish balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with tropical appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into pieces (or chicken thighs for juicier option)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Sesame Oil
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (from canned pineapple works well)
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Water
For the Main Dish
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned)
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Sesame Seeds
- Crushed Red Pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and 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 vinegar. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: Mix the cornstarch with water thoroughly to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold the cooked rice into the pan, stirring carefully to warm through and fully combine all ingredients, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, and optionally add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
- Use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or brown sugar depending on preference.
- Extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots can be added for nutrition and color.
- Try substituting rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- For a nutty texture, sprinkle chopped cashews or slivered almonds before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil instead of green onions for an herby twist.
- Prepare chicken and sauce up to 24 hours ahead; store separately from rice for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, one pan meal, Asian inspired chicken, pineapple recipes
