Print

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 125 reviews

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines juicy chicken breast with a sweet and savory pineapple sauce, creating a delightful tropical flavor. The dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, cooked vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in a glossy, flavorful sauce, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

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. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then 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. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the sautéed chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until warmed through and well combined with the other ingredients, about 2 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
  • Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder works as a convenient substitute.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar depending on availability.
  • Use fresh pineapple chunks for a fresher taste or canned pineapple for convenience—just drain the syrup.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
  • This recipe works well with any type of rice, including jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish

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