Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe that combines tender, sautéed chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks in a glossy, tangy sauce. Served over fluffy white or jasmine rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice for a satisfying tropical-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
Carbohydrates
- 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Pantry
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to coat the pan evenly and prepare for sautéing the chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the sauce in skillet: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the pineapple chunks to the sauce.
- Simmer chicken and pineapple: Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce and pineapple. Simmer together for another 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to become glossy and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Prepare the rice and garnish: While the chicken simmers, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. When the chicken is done, garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle red chili flakes if using for a mild heat boost.
- Serve: Spoon generous portions of the pineapple chicken mixture over the fluffy rice. Serve immediately to enjoy the tropical flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor or canned pineapple for convenience—just ensure it is well drained to avoid excess liquid.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is specifically labeled gluten-free.
- This dish can be paired with steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover rice.
