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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice – A Perfect Balance of Flavor!

  • Author: Chef Emy

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