Pineapple Chicken and Rice
A delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for quick weeknight meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast You can opt for chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil Perfect for sautéing.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder works if you’re short on fresh.
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium soy sauce is a healthier choice.
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice Canned juice is convenient and works well.
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar Maple syrup can be a fun alternative.
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar can be a backup in a pinch.
- 1 tsp Cornstarch Mix with 1 tbsp of water to prevent lumps.
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice Choose white, brown, or jasmine rice based on your preference.
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Fresh or drained canned works beautifully.
- 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced Swap for other colors or snap peas.
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped Chives are a good substitute.
- Sesame seeds Great for garnishing—customize to your taste.
- Crushed red pepper Optional for a spicy kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the chicken and 1/4 cup of soy sauce, then let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir in pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper, simmering for 3-5 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of cooked rice, garnishing with green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
To keep your leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can freeze it for up to two months.