Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pan dish combining sweet and savory flavors with incredible ease. Perfect for a quick, tropical-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan, Sauté
- Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (or chicken thighs for juicier option)
- 2 tbsp olive or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1.5 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ whole red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken and combine: Stir in cornstarch mixture. Cook 2–3 minutes until glossy. Return chicken, add pineapple and red bell pepper, stir to coat.
- Add rice: Fold in cooked rice, warming through, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Optional: Top with crushed red pepper for extra kick.
- Adjust ingredients to taste; see recipe card for exact quantities.