Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
This vibrant Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender, succulent chicken with sweet pineapple and crisp bell peppers simmered in a flavorful soy sauce and honey glaze. Perfectly served over fluffy white rice, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors and a touch of tanginess from rice vinegar. Easy to prepare and packed with colorful veggies, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that brings a tropical twist to your table.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Protein and Produce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Grains
Sauces and Condiments
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Oils and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Optionally, you can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables are fragrant.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly and enhance its sweetness.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, and stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice.
- You can use canned pineapple chunks if fresh is unavailable; just ensure to drain well.
- Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup chicken and vegetables with 1/2 cup cooked rice)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple recipes, easy weeknight dinner, Asian chicken stir-fry