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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender sautéed chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and a savory soy-based sauce. This quick and easy dish combines juicy chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant green onions, all tossed together with fluffy cooked rice for a delicious tropical meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

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)

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 in a pinch)
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps)
  • 1 tbsp Water

For the Main Dish

  • 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)

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds (For serving; customize based on taste preferences)
  • Crushed red pepper (Optional for extra spice)

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. Set aside on a plate once done.
  2. 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, bringing to a simmer.
  3. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes glossy. Return the sautéed chicken back to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
  4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until it is warmed through and everything is well combined. This should take about 2 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier chicken option.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
  • Fresh pineapple juice adds the best flavor, but canned pineapple juice works well too.
  • Honey can be swapped with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding crushed red pepper according to taste.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, as the chicken can dry out if reheated too long.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, sautéed chicken, tropical chicken recipe, quick chicken recipe, Asian chicken, one pan dinner

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice-recipe/