Description
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that combines the juicy sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken and fragrant rice. This one-pot meal is easy to make, perfectly balanced with protein, carbs, and the refreshing kick of pineapple, making it ideal for dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the rice: In the same pan, add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pineapple and vegetables: Stir in the pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine the chicken: Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using), and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- You can swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even pork if preferred.
- If you’re using fresh pineapple, be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg