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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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 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

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