Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables over fluffy jasmine rice. I began making this recipe on busy weeknights when I wanted something quick, delicious, and satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen. The harmony of flavors and textures makes this meal not just enjoyable for dinner but an instant favorite among family members of all ages. When the weather gets warmer, a light, refreshing plate of Pineapple Chicken and Rice is sure to brighten your mood and your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This recipe shines for its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. With the sweetness of pineapple balanced by savory chicken and a hint of soy sauce, every bite is an explosion of taste. It’s also budget-friendly! You can find the ingredients at your local grocery store without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash—always a win in my book.

"This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a game-changer! Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s become a staple in our household. Even my picky eaters love it!" – Shari, satisfied home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

This dish is straightforward, making it accessible to both experienced cooks and beginners. First, you’ll prepare your jasmine rice until fluffy. While the rice cooks, you’ll focus on the chicken and stir-fry vegetables, which all come together quickly in a single skillet. This step-by-step approach ensures that everything is perfectly timed and flavorful when you combine it.

Gather Your Ingredients

To bring this vibrant dish to life, you’ll need the following essentials:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Feel free to mix up the vegetables or swap the rice for brown rice if you prefer a healthier option!

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by preparing jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and keep it warm.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and the pineapple is heated through.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Stir well to coat everything.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to combine. Allow it all to cook together for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors meld.

7. Serve the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked jasmine rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Tips for Serving

To truly elevate your Pineapple Chicken and Rice, consider serving it with some crispy wontons or spring rolls on the side. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a lovely crunch and contrast to the sweet and savory dish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, serve it with a side of chili sauce for drizzling.

Best Way to Store Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), let them cool completely, then transfer your Pineapple Chicken and Rice into airtight containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it’s heated through to a safe temperature of 165°F.

Pro Chef Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and chicken a day in advance to save time during cooking.
• Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a brighter taste, but canned pineapple works perfectly in a pinch. Just ensure it’s well-drained.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein profile. Adding a splash of coconut milk can provide a creamy twist that complements the pineapple beautifully. For a more earthy flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like snap peas or carrots.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this dish?

Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking will take around 20 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy weeknights.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthy alternative, but remember to extend the cooking time according to package instructions since it takes longer to cook than jasmine rice.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, the meat will appear opaque and juices should run clear when pierced.

With these details at your fingertips, you’re ready to create a delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish that your family will request time and time again. Enjoy the cooking experience and the flavorful results!

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A delightful dish combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables over fluffy jasmine rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and pineapple is heated through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Stir well.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to combine. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
7. Serve the mixture over cooked jasmine rice, garnishing with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

Consider serving with crispy wontons or spring rolls, and a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For extra heat, add chili sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pineapple chicken, quick dinner, one-pan meal, flavorful recipe