Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful, tropical-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is easy to make and great for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (used 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 (consider using maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (can use white vinegar in a pinch)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (mix with 1 tbsp water to avoid lumps)
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (opt for fresh or drained canned chunks)
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced (substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives make a great substitute)

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 from pan 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. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the cooked rice until warmed through and well combined, about 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breast.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for different sweetness levels.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks when possible for brighter flavor.
• Add snap peas or other veggies for extra crunch and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, frozen pineapple works well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and sweet, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 380 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender sautéed chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice for a quick and flavorful meal inspired by tropical flavors. The dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: lucas
• 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 (or garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 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 if needed)
• 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)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned)
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced (can substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (chives are a great substitute)

Instructions

1. 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, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the 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 simmer.
3. Thicken and Combine: Stir the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) into the sauce to thicken it. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until it is warmed through and thoroughly combined with the sauce and other ingredients. This process should take about 2 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors.

Notes

• For juicier chicken, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
• Low sodium soy sauce helps reduce the salt content without compromising flavor.
• The pineapple juice can be taken from canned pineapple to save time.
• Maple syrup is a suitable substitute for honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• To avoid lumps in the sauce, mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan.
• Feel free to substitute red bell pepper with other types of bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.
• Garnishing with sesame seeds is optional but adds a nice texture and visual appeal.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, tropical chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner recipes