Description
A delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combining tender sautéed chicken breasts with a sweet and savory pineapple-based sauce, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice. This tropical-inspired dish is quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
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 until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce to thicken it. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, warming it through and combining all ingredients thoroughly. This should take around 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if unavailable.
- Opt for low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Use shrimp or tofu as alternative proteins.
- Add extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots for more nutrition.
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Try mango or peaches instead of pineapple for a seasonal twist.
- Top with chopped cashews or slivered almonds for crunch.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for an herbal freshness.
- Prepare chicken and sauce up to 24 hours ahead; store separately from rice.
- Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain flavor and texture.
- Mix cornstarch with water well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: Pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, tropical chicken recipe, quick dinner, stovetop chicken, easy chicken recipe
