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Delicious Pineapple Chicken served with rice in a colorful plate

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A delightful meal combining sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Rice Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.
  • 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Chopped; chives make a great substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Sesame seeds For serving; customize based on taste preferences.
  • to taste Crushed red pepper Optional for extra spice.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil Used for sautéing.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium is a healthier alternative.
  • 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar Can use white vinegar in a pinch.
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.
  • 1 tbsp Water

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
  5. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir everything to combine.
  6. Add the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper if desired.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar to suit your taste. Use leftovers to make a delicious pineapple chicken wrap or salad for lunch the next day.