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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice
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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables for a quick, one-pot meal that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish is aromatic, colorful, and customizable to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped

Grains

  • 2 cups cooked long grain white rice (preferably day-old)

Pantry & Condiments

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Dice the bell peppers, slice the green onions, and mince garlic and ginger to maximize flavor infusion.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add garlic, ginger, and diced bell peppers. Sauté until the peppers soften and the garlic is fragrant to develop the dish’s flavor base.
  4. Add Pineapple and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and chili flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the vibrant flavors.
  5. Combine Chicken and Rice: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Gently fold in the cooked rice, ensuring every grain is coated with sauce and well combined with chicken and pineapple.
  6. Finish with Garnishes: Turn off the heat and sprinkle sliced green onions over the dish for freshness and a burst of color right before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and honey for 15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
  • Use day-old rice to prevent mushiness and improve texture.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper searing.
  • Prefer fresh pineapple over canned for brighter flavor and better texture.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by starting with less honey or sugar and adding more as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, one-pot chicken rice, quick dinner recipe, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/sweet-savory-pineapple-chicken-with-rice/