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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice

Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice
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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe balances sweet pineapple and savory chicken with aromatic garlic and ginger, colorful bell peppers, and a glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s family-friendly, easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, and offers a complete, balanced meal that will delight all taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fruit

  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Carbohydrates

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

Cooking Oil

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions until fluffy and fragrant, then set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Make the Sweet & Savory Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, and water or chicken broth until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the veggies and stir well to combine.
  5. Add Pineapple and Simmer: Gently fold in pineapple chunks and cooked chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the pineapple warms through without losing juiciness.
  6. Serve Over Rice: Spoon the prepared chicken and pineapple mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple when possible for better texture and natural sweetness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear.
  • Adjust the sweetness gradually by tasting the sauce before adding all the brown sugar or honey.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent the sauce from burning and makes cleanup easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, pineapple recipe, quick chicken dinner, family-friendly dinner, asian-inspired chicken, pineapple with rice

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/sweet-savory-pineapple-chicken-with-rice/