Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tangy pineapple sweetness and savory chicken goodness, all served over a bed of warm, fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound about 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening the sauce
- 3 cups cooked brown or white rice
- Optional: chopped cilantro green onions, or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce Ingredients
- Next up, add the pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Pour in the cornstarch-water mixture and stir well. As the sauce heats, it’ll thicken into a glossy, irresistible glaze. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the sweet and savory pineapple chicken over a bed of cooked rice, then sprinkle with your favorite garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!