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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice
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A quick and easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is family-friendly, versatile, and packed with vibrant colors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Carbohydrates

  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Condiments & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)
  • 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell peppers and green onions. Drain pineapple chunks if canned, and mince garlic and ginger to have all ingredients ready for quick cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Combine with Pineapple and Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour in soy sauce and drizzle honey or brown sugar over everything. Stir well to coat and warm through.
  5. Mix in the Rice: Stir in the cooked rice thoroughly, allowing it to absorb the juices and heat through for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice for better texture and less clumping when stir-frying.
  • Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure better browning.
  • Taste as you go to balance sweetness and saltiness appropriately.
  • Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
  • Add pineapple towards the end to maintain its texture and avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, one-pan meal, weeknight recipe, tropical chicken dish, easy chicken recipe, family friendly

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice/