Description
A flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combining tender sautéed chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. This easy-to-make recipe creates a delightful tropical meal with a balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners that impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
- 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 canned, drained if canned)
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes
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, approximately 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), and vinegar. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: Stir together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice and continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the rice is warmed through and the ingredients are well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For an optional spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the tropical flavor fusion.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
- Sesame oil can add a nutty flavor as an alternative to olive oil.
- Low sodium soy sauce helps reduce salt content without compromising flavor.
- Extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots can be added for increased nutrition.
- For low-carb diets, substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
- If preferred, try different fruits such as mango or peaches instead of pineapple.
- Store cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container separately from rice for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
- Ensure to mix cornstarch with water thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, pineapple sauce chicken, quick weeknight meal, tropical chicken dish
