Go Back
Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A delicious one-pan dish combining sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in a savory soy-honey sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 1.5 cups cooked rice white, brown, or jasmine - prepare ahead
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • sesame seeds optional, for garnish
  • crushed red pepper optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F with no pink remaining. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer for about 1 minute.
  3. Stir the cornstarch mixture, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a shiny, syrupy appearance. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly in sauce.
  4. Keep skillet on medium-low heat and gently fold in cooked rice, stirring carefully to combine without mashing the grains. Let everything warm through for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice absorbs some sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and immediately garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Add crushed red pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Cook rice according to package directions before starting this recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave. Can be frozen for 2-3 months. For meal prep, slightly undercook rice if planning to freeze. Chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier results. Add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition. Sauce should have a shiny, syrupy consistency when done.