Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with sweet pineapple and a savory sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, easy to prepare, and great for a quick weeknight dinner.

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

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 chicken from the 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 to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Stir in the 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. Add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly with 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. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of breast.
• Substitute snap peas or other colorful bell peppers for a varied texture.
• Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick if desired.
• Use brown rice for a heartier, more nutritious option.
• Maple syrup can replace honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store leftover pineapple chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple chunks?

Yes, frozen pineapple chunks work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to avoid a watery dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a delicious blend of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce all cooked together in a pan. It’s an easy stovetop meal that features a flavorful sauce thickened to a glossy finish, combined with colorful bell peppers and green onions for a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 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; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple 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 in a pinch)
• 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 as an alternative)

Optional Toppings

• Sesame Seeds (for serving)
• 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. Once done, set aside the chicken on a plate.
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 and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy. Return the sautéed chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until warmed through and fully combined, 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 flavors.

Notes

• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce helps reduce salt content.
• Use fresh pineapple juice or canned juice for convenience.
• Adjust sweetness according to taste by varying honey or sugar.
• Optional crushed red pepper adds a spicy kick.
• Chives can replace green onions if preferred.
• Cook rice ahead of time to speed up preparation.

Keywords: Pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, stovetop chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy weeknight dinner, pineapple sauce chicken