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Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

A delightful and easy-to-make Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a savory sauce for a perfect tropical-inspired meal. This one-pot recipe is versatile, quick to prepare, and great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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 the can)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 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

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
  3. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Fold in the cooked rice and stir to warm everything through.
  4. Finish & Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.
  • For a spicier version, add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Extra vegetables like snap peas or shredded carrots can be added for more nutrition and flavor.
  • Use canned pineapple that is not in syrup to keep the dish balanced.
  • If sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer longer.
  • If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice.
  • Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool slightly to avoid clumping.
  • Can be frozen for 2-3 months in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, easy dinner, chicken and rice, tropical chicken recipe, weeknight meals, one-pot meals, sweet and savory chicken

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