Description
Easy pineapple chicken with rice is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a sticky savory sauce. Served over rice, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s tropical, satisfying, and made in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and heated through.
- Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for a one-pan meal.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
