Print

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple soy sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers and aromatic green onions. This one-pan recipe balances tropical sweetness with umami notes and makes a perfect weeknight meal.

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 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 make a great substitute)

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds (for serving; customize based on taste preferences)
  • Crushed red pepper (optional for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Émincé 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. Set aside on a plate once done.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes glossy. Return the sautéed chicken back to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
  4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice until it is warmed through and everything is well combined. This should take about 2 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and 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 chicken option.
  • Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to reduce salt intake.
  • Maple syrup can be used in place of honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
  • Use fresh pineapple chunks for the best texture, or well-drained canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable.
  • Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.
  • Mix cornstarch with water before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner recipe, one pan meal, Asian-inspired chicken, pineapple soy sauce, weeknight dinner

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