Description
A delicious and easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce for a flavorful one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish features tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a tangy pineapple-soy glaze and served over warm rice with colorful vegetables.
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 canned pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
The Rest
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or preferred variety)
- 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
- 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 until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, smooth glaze.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir thoroughly so everything is coated in the flavorful sauce. Fold in the cooked rice and stir again to warm through evenly.
- Finish & Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional crushed red pepper over the top for added flavor and texture. Serve the Pineapple Chicken and Rice hot and enjoy this sweet and savory dish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Increase veggies by adding snap peas, shredded carrots, or other vegetables you have on hand.
- Use canned pineapple that is not in syrup to avoid extra sweetness.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or pineapple juice; for thicker sauce, simmer longer with extra cornstarch slurry.
- Use day-old or cooled rice to prevent clumping when stirred into 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, One-pan Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Pineapple Sauce
