Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that marries the sweet and savory flavors in a way that dazzles the taste buds. Picture juicy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce, paired with soft rice and bright pineapple chunks, all beautifully presented on your plate. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Once you take a bite, the aromatic garlic and vibrant colors will ignite your senses. The juicy sweetness of pineapple combined with the savory chicken creates a tempting contrast that leaves a lasting impression. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the making of this easy dish, from the ingredients you’ll need to serving tips and storage advice. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: You’ll use simple, fresh ingredients that burst with flavor.
2. Ease of Preparation: This dish is quick and requires minimal cooking skills.
3. Nutrition: Loaded with protein and nutrients from the chicken and veggies.
4. Versatility: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
5. Presentation: Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching meal.

With all these factors combined, it’s a meal you’ll want to share!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.)
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (Used for sautéing.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low sodium is a healthier alternative.)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.)
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.)
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (Can use white vinegar in a pinch.)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.)
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.)
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.)
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper (Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.)
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped; chives make a great substitute.)
• Sesame seeds (For serving; customize based on taste preferences.)
• Crushed red pepper (Optional for extra spice.)

How To Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy

1. Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything until heated through.
6. Finish by sprinkling with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve in a colorful bowl to showcase the vibrant ingredients.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for balance.
3. Portions: This recipe serves 4, perfect for family or friends.
4. Beverage pairing: A refreshing iced tea or lemonade complements the dish well.

Enjoy your creation with these fantastic serving ideas!

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor: Add a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
• Customization: Experiment with different veggies like snap peas or carrots for variety.
• Serving suggestions: Serve with extra pineapple chunks on the side for an added tropical touch.

Recipe Variations

1. Tropical Twist: Add mango chunks along with the pineapple for a tropical flavor profile.
2. Spicy Variation: Mix in some diced jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick.
3. Grilled Version: Grill the chicken instead of sautéing for a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze in a sturdy container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

2. Is this dish healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, making it a nutritious option.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep.

4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to change the seasonings or add different proteins and vegetables based on your preference.

5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours before adding the rice and veggies in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, delicious meal that tantalizes your taste buds while packing in nutrition. It’s simple to make yet looks impressive on the table, making it ideal for any gathering or even weekday dinners. With its sweet and savory elements, this dish is bound to be a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating this delightful recipe!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A delightful dish that combines sweet pineapple and savory chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil Used for sautéing.
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium is a healthier alternative.
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.
• 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar Can use white vinegar in a pinch.
• 1 tsp Cornstarch Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1.5 cups Cooked Rice Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.
• 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.
• 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.
• 1/4 cup Green Onions Chopped; chives make a great substitute.
• Sesame seeds For serving; customize based on taste preferences.
• Crushed red pepper Optional for extra spice.

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything until heated through.
6. Finish by sprinkling with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Enhance flavor: Add a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty kick. Customize by experimenting with different veggies like snap peas or carrots for variety. Serve with extra pineapple chunks on the side for an added tropical touch.