Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Pineapple Chicken and Rice—sweet, savory, and a one-pan wonder! 🍍🍗

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the chicken and sauce:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 can (400g) pineapple chunks, juice reserved

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

For the rice:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

• Salt, to taste

• Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or extra pineapple

Instructions

1. Cook the rice:

   • In a medium pot, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil.

   • Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked. Set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken:

   • Season chicken with salt and pepper.

   • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:

   • In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.

   • Add pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar.

   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes.

   • If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.

4. Combine chicken and sauce:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the pineapple sauce.

   • Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon rice onto plates and top with pineapple chicken and sauce.

   • Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra pineapple chunks if desired.

💡 Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in 1–2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger, and 1 tsp garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.

• You can also add snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to make it more colorful and nutritious.

• This works well with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.

If you like, I can also give a quick 20-minute version that’s perfect for busy weeknights—still juicy chicken and sweet pineapple goodness.