Description
Savor the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fragrant rice come together in a tropical dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this nutritious meal is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, cook bell peppers and onions until slightly tender.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the sauce, stirring to coat all ingredients. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice per package instructions using chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the pan and mix. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or sliced red chilies.
- Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Enhance flavor with toasted cashews or almonds.
- Cook rice with coconut milk for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-fusion
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Tropical Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Pineapple Rice Recipe