Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy
There are moments in life that beckon us to the kitchen, drawing us into a world of aromas and flavors that wrap around us like a warm hug. On a particularly cozy afternoon, with rain gently tapping against my window, the thought of a vibrant, sweet, and savory dish danced in my mind. I envisioned a classic—Pineapple Chicken and Rice—bridging the gap between nostalgia and comfort. This easy weeknight dinner is the perfect remedy for any gray day, bringing together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice in a harmonious melody of taste.
After all, there’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that feels like a warm embrace. It is simple to make yet bursting with flavors that make you smile—it’s a must-try. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory: The delightful balance of pineapple and soy sauce creates a flavor combo you’ll crave.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting dish, making mealtime a breeze.
- Healthy & Customizable: With options for low-sodium soy sauce and fresh ingredients, you can tailor it to your family’s preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means an easy cleanup while savoring a delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.)
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil (Used for sautéing.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.)
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low sodium is a healthier alternative.)
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice (Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.)
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar (Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (Can use white vinegar in a pinch.)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch (Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.)
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice (Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.)
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.)
- 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper (Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.)
- 1/4 cup Green Onions (Chopped; chives make a great substitute.)
- Sesame seeds (For serving; customize based on taste preferences.)
- Crushed red pepper (Optional for extra spice.)
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy
Begin by heating the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm, releasing a delightful aroma that sets the stage for cooking.
Add the minced garlic, sautéing until it’s fragrant and golden—just a minute or so will do.
Carefully place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the skillet, season with a little salt, and cook until they’re beautifully browned—about 5-7 minutes per side. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Stir gently to combine, letting the sweet and savory flavors meld together.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up.
Toss in the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring each morsel is coated in the delicious sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for those who like a little heat!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Citrus: Add lime or orange zest for a bright twist that pairs wonderfully with the pineapple.
- Tropical Paradise: Consider mixing in diced mango or a handful of chopped cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
- Creamy Delight: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of coconut milk before adding the rice.
- Veggie Lovers: Amp up the nutrients by adding snap peas, broccoli florets, or even baby spinach for added color and flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the chicken and pineapple marinade a day in advance. Store it in the fridge for an easy, quick dinner the next day!
- Leftover Love: If you have any leftovers (although I doubt it!), they store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days—just reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Cutting Chicken: For even cooking, make sure to slice the chicken into uniform pieces. This helps with marinating and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Rice Options: Feel free to use whatever rice is in your pantry. Brown rice adds nutty flavor, while jasmine rice provides a lovely fragrant touch.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared a day ahead for a flavor boost.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the veggies or switch out the rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long does it last?
Leftovers can be enjoyed for 2-3 days after cooking—perfect for a quick lunch!
Wrapping It Up
There’s something incredibly special about gathering around the table to enjoy this Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavors, reminiscent of joyful family moments. Not only is it an easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also a wonderful recipe to return to time and time again. Save this cozy treat to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a warm hug in the form of delicious food! Happy cooking!
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Pineapple Chicken and Rice: Sweet, Savory, Effortlessly Easy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This easy weeknight dinner features tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice in a delightful sweet and savory dish that brings comfort and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.
- Place the chicken in the skillet, season with salt, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then add to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Toss in the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat everything in the sauce and heat through for 3-5 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different vegetables and enjoy the leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, One-Pan Meal