Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a deliciously easy recipe perfect for family dinners. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce makes every bite flavorful and satisfying. This dish comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked white rice
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green, your choice)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon of ground ginger)
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Step 2: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken once the oil is hot.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
4. Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the minced ginger and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
7. Step 7: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl to make the sauce.
8. Step 8: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. Step 9: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
10. Step 10: Gently fold in the diced pineapple and warm through for about 2 minutes.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or honey if desired.
12. Step 12: Prepare the cooked rice if not already done and fluff it with a fork.
13. Step 13: Serve by placing a scoop of rice on each plate and spooning the pineapple chicken mixture over it.
14. Step 14: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

• Add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
• Use fresh pineapple for a juicier, brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience.
• For a spicier version, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp to vary the protein.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as thickening alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce moist and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well and adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just be sure to cook it fully before serving, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free. This will keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a deliciously easy and vibrant dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this meal brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 1 small onion, diced
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Rice

• 2 cups cooked white rice

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
3. Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest while preparing the sauce and vegetables.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Add Ginger: Stir in the minced ginger and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
6. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
7. Simmer Sauce with Veggies: Pour the sauce into the skillet with vegetables. Stir well and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
9. Add Pineapple: Gently fold in the diced pineapple and warm through for about 2 minutes, allowing the sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
10. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.
11. Prepare Rice: If not already done, cook the white rice according to package instructions using a rice cooker or stovetop method. Fluff with a fork when ready.
12. Serve: Place a generous scoop of rice on each plate, spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over the rice, ensuring each serving has plenty of sauce and pineapple.
13. Garnish: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for flavor and color.
14. Optional Sides and Serving Tips: Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Additional soy sauce or hot sauce can be provided for extra seasoning or spice.
15. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
16. Customization: Customize by adding other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, but canned pineapple works well too; just be sure to drain it.
• Adjust the soy sauce and honey to taste to balance saltiness and sweetness.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch by 1/2 teaspoon.
• Cook chicken thoroughly to ensure safety; no pink should remain inside.
• Garnishing with sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and visual appeal but is optional.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be enjoyed for up to 3 days refrigerated.
• Vegetarian or vegan variations can be made by substituting chicken with tofu and using vegetable broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Asian Chicken Recipe, Easy Family Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken