Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet & Savory One-Pot Meal

Here’s a delicious and easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Stir-Fry:

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

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   • Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and broccoli (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
   • Add the diced pineapple and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and Thicken the Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine.
   • Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

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Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If using canned pineapple, reserve the juice for the sauce.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Enjoy your sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice! Let me know how it turns out! 😊