Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
A vibrant and easy-to-make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests with a flavorful one-pot dish.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Produce
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop bell peppers and green onions, mince garlic and ginger, and drain pineapple chunks if using canned. This prep ensures smooth cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Stir in bell peppers and half the green onions. Cook for 2 minutes to soften slightly. Add pineapple chunks and warm them through, allowing their juices to mingle with the chicken.
- Incorporate Rice and Liquids: Pour in rice, soy sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar or honey. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor; canned is acceptable.
- Don’t skip the ginger and garlic to build a zesty flavor base.
- Optionally toast the rice lightly before adding liquids for nuttiness.
- Adjust the sweetness by starting with less sugar or honey and adding more to taste.
- Cook rice covered with a tight-fitting lid for fluffy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken, savory sweet chicken, one-pot chicken rice, easy chicken dinner, tropical chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dish