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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 468 reviews

This vibrant Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, served over your choice of rice. It’s a quick, one-pan dish bursting with tropical flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring a balanced mix of savory soy sauce, fresh pineapple, and a hint of honey sweetness, this meal offers a comforting yet exotic taste that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Sauce

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

The Rest

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds, extra green onions, crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
  3. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir well so the chicken and vegetables are coated evenly in the sauce. Fold in the cooked rice and stir gently to warm everything through and marry the flavors.
  4. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the dish hot, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry.
  • To add heat, include sriracha or red pepper flakes in the sauce.
  • Add additional vegetables like snap peas or shredded carrots for more nutrition and texture.
  • If using canned pineapple, opt for chunks packed in juice, not syrup.
  • Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool slightly before adding to avoid clumping.
  • If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little water or pineapple juice to loosen it.
  • This dish freezes well; cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
  • To reheat, thaw overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth or water as needed.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, pineapple chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken dinner, tropical chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, chicken with pineapple sauce

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