Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors. Juicy chicken is cooked in a flavorful sauce with bell peppers and pineapple, then served over fluffy rice. It’s quick to prepare and makes a great weeknight meal!
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp oil (olive or sesame)
For the Sauce:
½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp ketchup (adds a tangy balance)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
For the Stir-Fry:
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
½ small onion, chopped
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Rice:
2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Saute Vegetables & Pineapple
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
Stir-fry onions, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks for about 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add Sauce & Chicken
Pour in the sauce and stir until it thickens (about 1–2 minutes).
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss everything together, and let it cook for another 1–2 minutes.
6. Serve
Spoon the sweet and savory pineapple chicken over cooked rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 720mg
(Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions.)
Notes & Tips:
For Extra Crispy Chicken: Lightly coat the chicken in flour or panko before cooking.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Substitutions:Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a different protein option.Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.
Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a light cucumber salad, steamed broccoli or a refreshing mango salsa for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice!