Description
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this colorful family-friendly recipe offers a mouthwatering harmony of flavors and is easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Flavorings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Oils & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and drain the pineapple if using canned. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier grains. Mince garlic and ginger, and slice any vegetables you plan to use.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and brown lightly on the outside, but do not cook through completely.
- Combine Rice, Pineapple, and Sauce: Add rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with oil and chicken juices. Pour in soy sauce, honey, and water or broth. Mix well, then stir in pineapple chunks and any vegetables.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan tightly, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid removing the lid to retain moisture.
- Fluff and Garnish: Turn off heat and let the dish rest covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple when possible for brighter flavor.
- Rinsing rice ensures fluffy, separate grains.
- Prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- Letting the dish rest covered locks in moisture and deepens flavors.
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking.
- Toast rice lightly before adding liquids for nuttier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, one-pot meal, quick dinner, family-friendly recipe, chicken and rice, easy weeknight meal
