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Pineapple Chicken and Rice with Sweet and Savory Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 790 reviews

This vibrant Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender sautéed chicken breast with a sweet and tangy pineapple-infused soy sauce, colorful bell peppers, and green onions. Quick to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that is both satisfying and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
  • 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (Used for sautéing)

For the Sauce

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low sodium is a healthier alternative)
  • 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience)
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (Consider using maple syrup as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (Can use white vinegar in a pinch)
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps)
  • 1 tbsp Water

For the Main Dish

  • 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference)
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks)
  • 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper, diced (Substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions, chopped (Chives make a great substitute)

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds (For serving; customize based on taste preferences)
  • Crushed red pepper (Optional for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken breast pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Thicken and Combine: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy. Return the sautéed chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
  4. Add the Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice and continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the rice is warmed through and well combined with the other ingredients.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors!

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
  • Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier dish.
  • If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder is a suitable replacement.
  • Pineapple juice from canned pineapple is convenient and works well.
  • Maple syrup can be used instead of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
  • Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider or white vinegar if needed.
  • Make sure to mix cornstarch with water before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps.
  • Optional toppings like sesame seeds and crushed red pepper add extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Chicken and Rice, Pineapple Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Sautéed Chicken, Tropical Chicken Dish

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice-with-sweet-and-savory-sauce-recipe/