Description
Embark on a culinary adventure with this delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant and flavorful dish that fuses the sweetness of fresh pineapple with juicy chicken. This family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness to match your preferences. Enjoy a nutritious option packed with protein and fiber—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (your choice)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Extra chopped green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Pour the mixture into the skillet and simmer.
- Combine cornstarch with water in another bowl, then stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the skillet; heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Serve the chicken mixture over warm cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or beef if desired. You can add extra veggies such as peas or snap peas for added nutrition and color.