Description
A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is loaded with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a flavorful sauce that ties it all together. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup toasted cashews or almonds (optional for crunch)
For the Sweet & Savory Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies & Pineapple:
- In the same pan, add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.
Cook the Rice:
- Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook on low for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Prepare the Sweet & Savory Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the sauce. Stir well.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted cashews or almonds for extra crunch.
- Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors in every bite!
Notes
This dish is a delicious mix of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, all coated in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner!
Keywords: #PineappleChicken #SweetAndSavory #OnePanMeal #EasyDinners #FlavorfulEats