Take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe. Juicy chicken is sautéed with bell peppers and sweet pineapple, all tossed in a tangy, homemade sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s a feel-good meal that combines protein, fiber, and just the right amount of natural sweetness—all in one pan!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless) – 500g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (optional, for crispier chicken)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Olive oil or sesame oil – 1 tbsp
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) – 3 tbsp
- Pineapple juice – ⅓ cup (from the can or fresh)
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Honey or maple syrup – 1 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Ginger (fresh grated or ground) – 1 tsp
- Cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water (for slurry) – 1 teaspoon (optional, for thickening)
Add-ins:
- Pineapple chunks – 1 cup (fresh or canned, drained)
- Red bell pepper – 1, sliced
- Green onion – 2, chopped
- Cooked jasmine or brown rice – 2 cups
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Toss chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch (if using). Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
3. Cook the veggies & pineapple
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté bell peppers for 2–3 minutes, then add pineapple chunks and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until slightly caramelized.
4. Combine & simmer
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Serve
Spoon over cooked rice, garnish with green onions, and enjoy!
🧬 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugar | ~15g (mostly natural from pineapple) |
| Fat | ~12g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add spice: Toss in chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for heat.
- Make it tropical: Add shredded coconut or chopped mango on top!
- Veggie boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas.
- Meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep rice and chicken separate for best texture when reheating.
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