Description

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy chicken breast pieces cooked to perfection and coated in a tangy pineapple-soy glaze. Combined with vibrant bell peppers, fresh green onions, and fluffy cooked rice, this dish delivers an easy, quick, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Sauce

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/3 cup pineapple juice (canned or fresh)
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

The Rest

1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, extra green onions, crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they are nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), and vinegar. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sweet and savory sauce. Then fold in the cooked rice and stir gently to warm the rice through and mix the flavors.
Finish & Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes on top as desired. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the flavorful combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce in every bite.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
For a spicy kick, add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Add extra vegetables like snap peas or shredded carrots for more nutrition and color.
Canned pineapple should be drained and preferably not in heavy syrup to avoid extra sweetness.
If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry and simmer until it thickens.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it.
Use day-old rice for best texture, or allow freshly cooked rice to cool before adding to prevent clumps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keywords: pineapple chicken recipe, chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner, stovetop chicken, pineapple chicken stir-fry