Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a perfect blend of tangy pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then cooked to perfection and served over a bed of rice. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or special family meals
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later). Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and pineapple chunks, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the cooked rice and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add extra honey to the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg