Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken breast pieces with sweet pineapple chunks and vibrant red bell peppers in a savory soy-honey sauce. Served over fluffy jasmine or white rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it offers a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Serving
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, pineapple chunks, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and the flavors meld.
- Make and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken and pineapple mixture in the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over warm cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add cashews for an added crunchy texture.
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor or canned if unavailable, just be sure to drain well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
