Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a savory sauce all served over fluffy rice. It’s a quick and delicious meal that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
• Balanced Flavors: Sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and a savory sauce.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, and all cooked in one pan.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Rice & Garnish

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
2. In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry.

Step 3: Cook the Pineapple & Bell Pepper

1. In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks and red bell pepper.
2. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the pineapple caramelizes slightly and the peppers soften.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve the chicken and pineapple mixture over cooked jasmine rice.
2. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch.

Tips for Success

• Make it spicy by adding extra sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted cashews or chopped peanuts on top.
• Customize it by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Make ahead: You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice will be your go-to meal for when you need something fast, flavorful, and full of tropical goodness!

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