Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy

Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy

Author: Arwa Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings Category: Desserts Cuisine: Asian Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (or thighs for juicier option)
  • 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp of water)
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Rice
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks
  • 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)
  • Sesame seeds (for serving)
  • Crushed red pepper (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients by slicing chicken, dicing bell pepper, chopping green onions, and mincing garlic.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water.
  3. Heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Add garlic and diced red bell pepper, sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat. Let it bubble and reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add pineapple chunks and heat through for another minute.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust with crushed red pepper or vinegar if needed.
  9. Serve the pineapple chicken over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  1. To avoid overcrowding the pan, cook chicken in batches. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.