Easy Pineapple Chicken & Rice Dinner (Print Version)
Quick Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers a sweet and savory dinner. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice for a flavorful meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
3 cups water (for rice)
→ Sweet & Tangy Glaze
05 -
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice)
06 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
07 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
08 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
09 -
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
10 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
→ Aromatic & Colorful Accents
12 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
13 -
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
14 -
2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
15 -
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
→ Seasoning Essentials
16 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
17 -
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, combine 1.5 cups jasmine rice and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice. This forms the delicious glaze for your Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet & Savory Dinner.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion and 1 medium red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
04 -
Add the 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the same skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
05 -
Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the prepared sweet glaze and add the drained 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. This is the heart of your Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet & Savory Dinner.
06 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Serve the Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet & Savory Dinner immediately over the cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with 2 stalks sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra kick, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
03 -
Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts; they offer a slightly richer flavor and stay very moist.
04 -
Boost your meal with extra veggies by stirring in steamed broccoli florets or snap peas during the last minute of simmering.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
Saucepan
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Grater
07 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 715 kcal
Total Fat: 11 g
Total Carbohydrate: 88 g
Protein: 58 g