Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Bring a tropical twist to your dinner with this Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a flavorful sauce come together in one pan for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: Pineapple adds natural sweetness while soy sauce and garlic bring depth.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap proteins to fit your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

How to Make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Pineapple

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the bell pepper for 2 minutes, then add the pineapple chunks. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the pineapple chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, but canned works well for convenience.
• For extra crunch, add cashews or water chestnuts.
• Want it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
• Swap the protein: This dish works great with shrimp, tofu, or even pork.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great alternatives.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately from the rice for easy meal prep.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish brings a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

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