Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet and savory dish that combines tender sautéed chicken breast with a glossy, tangy pineapple sauce, served over fluffy cooked rice. This easy stovetop recipe balances fruity pineapple chunks and vibrant red bell pepper with a delicious Asian-inspired sauce made from soy, garlic, honey, and vinegar, topped with green onions and optional sesame seeds for a delightful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 tbsp Olive Oil or Sesame Oil for sautéing
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (from canned pineapple)
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp Water
For the Main Dish
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh or drained canned)
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
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 fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, 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. Then pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: Stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to coat in the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold the cooked rice into the pan with the chicken and sauce mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring gently until the rice is warmed through and evenly combined with all ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish and optionally top with sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical, savory flavors.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
- To keep the sauce smooth, thoroughly mix the cornstarch and water before adding it to the pan.
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Extra vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can be added for more nutrition and variety.
- Allow freshly cooked rice to cool slightly before mixing to avoid clumping.
- For leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for healthier or low-carb options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice recipe, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken dinner, Asian chicken recipe
