Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious, one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tender rice cooked in a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and pineapple chunks, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg