Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet, savory, and tangy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chunks of chicken are cooked with vibrant bell peppers, tender rice, and sweet pineapple in a flavorful, slightly sticky sauce. It’s a tropical twist on a classic stir-fry that’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add pineapple chunks, and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables. - Serve:
Spoon the pineapple chicken over warm cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add more veggies like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste.