Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances sweet and savory flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped, any color)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup cashews or sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cornstarch.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- In the same pan, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the bell peppers, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well.
- Let everything cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with green onions and nuts if using.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
- Brown Rice Alternative: Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber.
- Extra Spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- More Veggies: Include snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Hawaiian Style: Add shredded coconut or a splash of coconut milk for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: asian, fusion
Keywords: pineapple chicken, one-pan meal, easy dinner, tropical flavors, chicken and rice