Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender chicken breast sautéed to perfection with a tangy pineapple-infused sauce, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. With options for substitutions and toppings, it can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into pieces (or chicken thighs for a juicier option)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Sesame Oil
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (from canned pineapple preferred)
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (maple syrup as substitute)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar as substitute)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 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 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (or chives)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, warming it through and mixing thoroughly with the chicken and sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes to combine flavors well.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, with optional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired. Enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!
Notes
- For a juicier chicken, substitute chicken breast with thighs.
- Use low sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
- Substitute pineapple chunks with mango or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Add extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots for more nutrition.
- For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- To add spice, include sriracha or red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Use chopped cashews or slivered almonds for crunchy texture.
- Garnish alternatives include fresh cilantro or basil instead of green onions.
- Prepare chicken and sauce up to 24 hours ahead and reheat with rice when ready for easy meal prep.
- Ensure chicken is not overcooked to avoid dryness.
- Mix cornstarch with water thoroughly to prevent lumps when thickening the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Tropical Chicken Dish
