Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Craving a weeknight meal that tastes like sunshine? This pineapple chicken and rice delivers tropical vibes, savory warmth, and effortless flavor—all in one bowl.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts cubed – 500 g (1.1 lb): tender and absorbs flavor
- Olive oil – 15 ml 1 tbsp: for searing
- Salt & black pepper – to taste: basic seasoning
- Red bell pepper diced – ~120 g: adds color and crunch
- Pineapple chunks – 200 g fresh or canned, well-drained: sweet, juicy boost
- Pineapple juice – 60 ml ¼ cup: base for the glossy sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce – 30 ml 2 tbsp: umami balance
- Honey – 15 g 1 tbsp: natural sweetness and shine
- Rice vinegar – 15 ml 1 tbsp: brightens the flavor
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves: aromatic foundation
- Fresh ginger grated – 1 tsp: adds zing and freshness
- Cornstarch slurry – 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water: thickens sauce
- White or jasmine rice cooked – 2 cups (~360 g): perfect for soaking up sauce
Optional garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for color and texture
Instructions
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté bell pepper: In the same skillet, cook diced red bell pepper 2–3 minutes—just until slightly charred and still crisp.
- Mix sauce: In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Simmer sauce: Pour sauce into the skillet with bell pepper, bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened and glossy.
- Combine chicken & pineapple: Return chicken to the skillet, add pineapple chunks, and stir until evenly coated. Simmer 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the mixture over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Prefer swap? Use chicken thighs, tofu, or additional veggies for variety.
For a tropical presentation, serve in pineapple halves!
This dish pairs beautifully with sides like Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice or a refreshing Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry