Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table! Juicy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a sticky pineapple glaze, then served over fragrant jasmine rice with sautéed bell peppers and green onions. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will transport your taste buds to paradise!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup bell peppers (diced)
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Pineapple Glaze
- In the same pan, add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add bell peppers and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and green onions, mixing well.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the flavorful chicken over the rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy your tropical-inspired dish!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple for a more natural sweetness and extra juicy texture.
- Add spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion