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

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★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines sweet and savory flavors into a simple, one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed and simmered in a tangy pineapple soy sauce, then served over fluffy rice with colorful bell peppers and green onions. The dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness from pineapple juice and honey, and a slight tang from rice vinegar, making it deliciously addictive and effortless to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
  • 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (for sautéing)

For the Sauce

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (can substitute with white vinegar)
  • 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 (other bell peppers or snap peas can be used)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (or chives as substitute)

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds (for serving)
  • Crushed red pepper (optional for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine everything well.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Stir everything to coat with the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. Serve: Serve the pineapple chicken over the cooked rice. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and crushed red pepper if desired. Enjoy warm for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
  • Adjust sweetness by using honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup according to your preference.
  • Fresh pineapple chunks add brightness, but canned pineapple works well too if drained properly.
  • For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a garnish.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture of bell peppers.

Keywords: Pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken recipe, Asian chicken dish, pineapple sauce chicken

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice-sweet-savory-effortlessly-easy-recipe/