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If you’re looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one pot, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a little celebration every time you serve it — tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection with juicy pineapple chunks, colorful red bell pepper, and fragrant green onions all mingling with rich, flavorful rice. The balance of honey, soy sauce, and pineapple juice creates a sauce that’s irresistibly bright and comforting, making this dish a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a key role — from the tender chicken to the fresh veggies and the sweet pineapple, every bite is packed with flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs, 1 lb: Choose whichever cut you prefer for tender, juicy protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive or Sesame Oil, 2 tbsp: Adds a rich base for sautéing garlic and veggies, giving depth to the overall dish.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Provides aromatic warmth that livens up every mouthful.
- Soy Sauce (Low Sodium), 1/2 cup: Brings savory umami and a touch of saltiness without overpowering the sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice, 1/3 cup: Infuses the dish with tropical brightness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Honey or Brown Sugar, 2 tbsp: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness for a perfectly harmonious flavor.
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tbsp: Adds a gentle tang to brighten the entire dish.
- Cornstarch mixed with Water, 1 tsp + 1 tbsp: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency that coats the rice and chicken.
- Water, 1 tbsp: Helps create the perfect sauce texture alongside the cornstarch.
- Cooked Rice, 1.5 cups: The comforting, starchy base that soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Pineapple Chunks, 1 cup: Juicy bursts of sweetness that elevate each bite.
- Red Bell Pepper, 1/2 diced: Adds freshness, color, and a gentle crunch to the dish.
- Green Onions, 1/4 cup chopped: A bright, oniony garnish that adds a fresh finish.
- Sesame Seeds, for serving: Nutty accents that provide subtle texture and visual appeal.
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional): For a bit of heat if you like your meal with a spicy kick.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces that will cook quickly and evenly. Dice your red bell pepper and gather your pineapple chunks so everything is ready to go once the cooking begins. Having your ingredients prepped keeps this recipe smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Bell Pepper
Heat your choice of olive or sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step builds the flavor foundation for your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chopped chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the pieces until they’re no longer pink on the inside. This ensures your chicken stays juicy and tender, setting a delicious stage for the rest of the flavors to join in.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Ingredients
Stir in the pineapple chunks, cooked rice, soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, and vinegar. Then, add in the cornstarch-water mixture along with a bit of water to help thicken the sauce. Mixing everything now allows the rice and chicken to soak up all these fantastic flavors during the next step.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce and become tender while the flavors meld beautifully. This slow simmer is what transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish.
Step 6: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is tender and the sauce luscious, fluff the dish with a fork to separate the grains. Serve it up with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and if you like, a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little extra spark. This final step adds texture and vibrant color that make the dish as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper bring brightness and contrast to the Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally, making each bite delightful and well-rounded.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complements the sweet and savory flavors wonderfully. Light sides help balance the dish without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for a playful, tropical presentation that always sparks conversation. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish and finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it perfect for potlucks or family dinners where everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal that’s easy to reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the pineapple may soften slightly after freezing, but the taste remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and to keep the rice fluffy and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and moisture, which many people love. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Make sure to sauté the tofu till golden for the best texture and absorb the same delicious sauce for a vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, the recipe is mild, but you can add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to your liking for some heat. It’s entirely up to your spice preference, making it very customizable.
What type of rice works best?
Regular long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal because they stay fluffy and soak up the flavors nicely. You can also use brown rice; just note it may need a longer simmering time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with fresh, balanced flavors — and this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe delivers just that. It’s a cozy, soul-satisfying dish that feels like a mini getaway on your plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want a meal that’s as joyful to eat as it is simple to prepare.
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Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with garlic and red bell pepper, then simmered with pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and honey-infused sauce over rice for a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (or thighs)
Vegetables and Fruit
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Water
Others
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice
- Sesame seeds for serving
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red bell pepper and prepare pineapple chunks to have all ingredients ready.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and begins to brown slightly on the edges.
- Add sauce and other ingredients: Stir in pineapple chunks, cooked rice, soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, rice or apple cider vinegar, cornstarch mixture, and a tablespoon of water to create the flavorful sauce combined with rice and chicken.
- Simmer to finish cooking: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Pineapple juice adds sweetness; you may adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts without altering the cooking time significantly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, but stir well to maintain texture.
- Optionally add crushed red pepper for a mild heat.
- Make sure rice is pre-cooked before adding to the pot to ensure even cooking.
