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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

A delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish that combines tender chicken breast sautéed to perfection with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Enhanced with colorful red bell pepper, green onions, and served over fluffy cooked rice, this recipe delivers a tropical burst of flavors for a comforting dinner.

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 recommended)
  • 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (use 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 based on preference)
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (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 are a good 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 cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the 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 to meld the flavors together.
  3. Thicken and Combine: Stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the simmering sauce to thicken it. Cook 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 ensure everything is coated evenly in the sauce.
  4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, warming it through and mixing thoroughly with the chicken and sauce. This step should take about 2 minutes to ensure all components are combined and heated properly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, enjoying the tropical, sweet, and savory blend of flavors.

Notes

  • Optional: Top with crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
  • Consider substituting chicken thighs for more juiciness.
  • Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier dish.
  • Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
  • Maple syrup can replace honey or brown sugar if preferred.
  • Ensure to mix cornstarch with water before adding to avoid lumps.
  • Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice-recipe-2/