Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces with juicy pineapple chunks in a flavorful soy-based sauce, served over warm rice. It’s a quick and easy skillet recipe that blends sweet, tangy, and umami flavors for a delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 400g chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice or fresh, chopped if fresh)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Other Ingredients
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, warm
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the pineapple if using fresh. Ensure your rice is already cooked and warm to serve.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame or vegetable oil. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Pineapple: Add the minced garlic and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the pineapple slightly caramelize.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and pineapple. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and pineapple pieces.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and savory pineapple chicken mixture over hot, cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Use fresh pineapple when in season for the best flavor, but canned pineapple in juice works well too.
