Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice combines tender chicken bites, sweet pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice in one skillet for a 30-minute tropical weeknight dinner. This sweet-savory dish serves 4 with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families craving takeout flavors at home.

Why This Recipe Works

Pineapple juice tenderizes chicken while natural sugars caramelize for flavor depth. One-pan method infuses rice with savory juices eliminating bland grains. Soy-honey balance prevents cloying sweetness. Bell peppers add crunch color contrasting soft textures.

Ingredients & Prep

1 lb boneless chicken breasts diced bite-size, 1 can 20oz pineapple chunks drained reserve juice, 1½ cups uncooked white rice rinsed, 1 red bell pepper diced, 3 green onions sliced, 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, ½ tsp ground ginger, salt pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat oil medium-high large skillet. Season chicken salt pepper brown 4-5 minutes not fully cooked. Push aside add garlic ginger 30 seconds fragrant. Add rice stir 2 minutes translucent. Pour 1 cup pineapple juice soy sauce honey stir combine. Nestle chicken back add pineapple chunks bell pepper. Bring boil cover simmer low 18-20 minutes rice tender liquid absorbed. Fluff stir green onions serve hot.

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Flavor Variations

Variation KeyAdd/SwapResulting Twist
TeriyakiSoy + 1 tbsp rice vinegar sesame oilJapanese takeout
Spicy Sriracha1 tsp sriracha honeyThai heat
Coconut RiceWater coconut milkTropical creaminess
Fried Rice StyleCooked rice + scrambled egg peasTakeout crunch

Storage Tips

Refrigerate airtight 3 days. Reheat stovetop splash water prevent drying. Freeze 2 months thaw overnight.

FAQs

Rice mushy? Rinse thoroughly use exact liquid measure. Chicken tough? Dice smaller don’t overcook. Sauce thin? Simmer uncovered 2 minutes cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice delivers tropical vacation flavors through one-pan simplicity sweet savory satisfying perfection.

Print

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Easy Pineapple Chicken with Rice offers juicy chicken bites in a sweet-savory pineapple sauce, served over fluffy rice for tropical weeknight bliss. Bright pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and sticky glaze create crave-worthy one-pan magic. Family favorite blending fruity tang with garlicky comfort.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pineapple Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (1-inch cubes) 1 tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper (to taste) 1 bell pepper (diced) 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks (drained, reserve ¼ cup juice) 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium) 1 tbsp honey ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp ground ginger 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving) Garnish: Green onions or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium. Add chicken cubes, season salt/pepper, cook 6-8 mins until browned & cooked through. Add diced bell pepper, cook 2-3 mins until tender. Stir in pineapple chunks, cook 2 mins. Whisk reserved pineapple juice + soy sauce + honey + garlic powder + ginger. Pour into skillet, stir to coat. Simmer uncovered 4-5 mins until sauce thickens. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions/sesame seeds.

Notes

One-pan wonder = minimal cleanup maximum flavor. Pineapple juice tenderizes chicken naturally. Low-sodium soy = balanced sweet-savory. Bell pepper adds crunch & color pop. Double sauce for extra sticky rice coating. Storage: Airtight fridge 3 days. Reheat stovetop. Freeze cooked: 2 months perfect. High-protein family meal ready 25 mins. Sub thighs for juicier option. Fresh pineapple = next-level chunks.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ recipe (with ½ cup rice)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: easy pineapple chicken, pineapple chicken with rice, sweet savory chicken skillet, tropical chicken dinner

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