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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines sweet, tangy pineapple with juicy chicken for a mouthwatering meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 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) Fresh is best, but garlic powder serves in a pinch.
  • ½ cup Soy Sauce Low sodium for a healthier alternative.
  • ⅓ cup Pineapple Juice Conveniently from canned pineapple.
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar Maple syrup is a great substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar works too.
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.
  • 1 tbsp Water To help with thickening.
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Rice White, brown, or jasmine based on your preference.
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Fresh or drained canned options.
  • ½ whole Red Bell Pepper (Diced) Substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.
  • ¼ cup Green Onions (Chopped) Chives make a great substitute.
  • Sesame seeds For serving; customize to your taste.
  • Crushed red pepper Optional for an extra kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive or sesame oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixed with water, and 1 tablespoon of water.
  2. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and add pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Serve over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to ensure it remains juicy. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your preference. Prepare your rice ahead of time to save on cooking time.