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Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

Sweeteners

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: pineapple chicken, savory sweet chicken, one-pot chicken rice, easy chicken dinner, tropical chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dish