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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
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This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a quick, easy, and colorful one-pan meal that perfectly balances tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice with a delightful sweet and savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it blends tropical flavors with comforting home-style cooking for a vibrant and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Fruit

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)

Grains

  • 1 cup white or jasmine rice

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for sauce and rice cooking)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for cooking rice)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted cashews or peanuts
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the bell peppers, slice green onions, drain pineapple chunks if canned, and mince fresh garlic and ginger.
  2. Cook the Rice: Prepare the white or jasmine rice according to package instructions, ideally cooking it in chicken broth for additional flavor.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Cook the Vegetables and Pineapple: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, then stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and bell peppers until they become slightly tender but still crisp. Add pineapple chunks and cook until warmed through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture made from soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a splash of water or broth. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly and let simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Serve Over Rice and Garnish: Fluff the cooked rice and plate the pineapple chicken mixture over it. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and optional toasted nuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh pineapple chunks for better texture and flavor; canned pineapple is a convenient alternative.
  • Do not overcook bell peppers to keep them crisp and colorful.
  • Adjust the amount of honey or sugar to control the sweetness level.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, savory and sweet chicken, one-pan meal, quick chicken recipe, pineapple rice bowl, sweet and savory chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/sweet-and-savory-pineapple-chicken-and-rice-recipe/