Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite

why make this recipe

This dish mixes sweet pineapple with salty soy sauce for a quick, tasty weeknight meal. It cooks fast, uses simple ingredients, and fills you up. If you enjoy sweet-and-savory chicken ideas, you can also see a similar sweet maple garlic bacon chicken recipe for another easy dinner idea.

introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a simple, balanced meal with bright, sweet pineapple and savory chicken. It comes together in one pan, so you save time and dishes. The sauce is sticky and glossy, and the rice soaks up the flavors. This recipe works well for family dinners and meal prep.

how to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Follow clear steps: brown the chicken, make the sauce, thicken it, then mix chicken, pineapple, and rice. Keep heat medium so the sauce does not burn. Stir often and taste as you go. Finish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive or sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
• 1½ cups cooked rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: sesame seeds, chili flakes

Directions :

1. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a pan. Add cubed chicken. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Make Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
3. Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir in pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Mix well so the chicken and fruit get coated in the sauce.
5. Add Rice: Add cooked rice to the pan and stir until the rice is heated through and mixed with the sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds or chili flakes if you like. Serve hot.

how to serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Serve hot on plates or bowls. Add extra green onions or sesame seeds on top. You can serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a few lime wedges for a bright finish.

how to store Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

tips to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, but canned works fine.
• Cook the rice ahead to save time.
• Taste the sauce and add more honey or soy sauce to balance sweetness and salt.
• Don’t overcook the bell pepper; leave it slightly crisp.

variation (if any)

• Make it spicy: add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein.
• Swap brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Add mixed vegetables like peas or carrots for more color and nutrition.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes. Thaw or cook a bit longer so the pineapple warms through.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in meal prep containers and reheat for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I keep the rice from getting soggy?
A: Use day-old rice or cool freshly cooked rice before mixing. Heat gently and avoid adding too much extra liquid.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and adjust cooking time slightly to heat everything evenly.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and tasty weeknight meal combining sweet pineapple with savory chicken, all cooked in one pan.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive or sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
• 1½ cups cooked rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: sesame seeds, chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add cubed chicken. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
4. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir in pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Mix well so the chicken and fruit get coated in the sauce.
5. Add cooked rice to the pan and stir until the rice is heated through and mixed with the sauce.
6. Top with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds or chili flakes if you like. Serve hot.

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Notes

For best flavor, use fresh pineapple but canned works fine. Cook the rice ahead to save time.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg