sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice! It’s a dish that brings back so many memories of family dinners and sunny afternoons. This vibrant combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is a surefire way to brighten up any meal. I love how the juicy pineapple complements the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Truly, sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice is a culinary adventure in every bite!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
This pineapple chicken and rice recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly easy to make. After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist, and trust me, your family will ask for it again and again. Remember those rainy days when Mama always made something comforting? This dish gives me that same feeling!
This recipe is special because it balances flavors perfectly. The sweetness of the pineapple, the savory taste of the chicken, and the fluffy rice create a symphony in your mouth. The quick cooking time also makes it a winner for busy weeknights. This *sweet pineapple chicken* creation is your invitation to transform ordinary weeknights into flavor-filled moments!
Ingredients Needed for This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
- For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- For the Pineapple Sauce:
* 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tbsp cornstarch
* 1 tsp ginger, grated
* 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Rice:
* 2 cups cooked rice (preferably long-grain)
- Garnish:
* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds
How to Make This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. The more vibrant the colors, the better!
- 3. Make the Pineapple Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- 4. Combine Everything: Pour the pineapple sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- 5. Add Chicken and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pineapple sauce and vegetables. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings if needed!
- 6. Serve: Serve the *savory chicken and rice* mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy every bite of this *easy chicken rice dinner* recipe!
How to Serve This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can definitely elevate it with some simple additions.
For a refreshing side, consider serving it with a crisp cucumber salad or a light coleslaw. Toppings like toasted coconut flakes or chopped cashews can add a delightful crunch.
For plating, arrange the fluffy rice on the plate, top with the pineapple chicken, and garnish generously. This will make it appealing.
How to Store This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
If you have leftovers of the *pineapple chicken and rice recipe*, storing them properly will ensure they taste just as good the next day.
Refrigerate: Allow the pineapple chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pineapple chicken and rice. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through and enjoy this *savory chicken and rice*.
Tips to Make This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
- Ingredient Swap: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
- Success Tip: Use fresh pineapple for a more intense pineapple flavor.
- Common Mistake: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook just until it’s cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for an extra tangy kick.
Helpful Notes for This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
For best results, use high-quality soy sauce to enhance the savory notes. Long-grain rice holds its shape well in this recipe, preventing it from becoming mushy. The ginger adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the pineapple perfectly. Don’t skip it!
Consider using a wok for even heat distribution when cooking the chicken and vegetables. This promotes even cooking and ensures great flavor.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Smoky Chipotle Bbq Chicken And Rice Skillet for a smoky kick! Or, you might want to try Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet if you’re craving something with seafood.
Variation of This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice Recipe
For a spicier version, add a bit more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
For a richer flavor, try adding coconut milk to the pineapple sauce. This will create a creamy and decadent dish. You can also incorporate seasonal fruits like mangoes or peaches for a unique twist. Follow us on Pinterest for more innovative recipe ideas and kitchen tips! If you enjoy a flavorful dip with your meals sometime, you should definitely check out our Creamy And Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip.
What kind of rice is best for sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice?
Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works perfectly. They cook up fluffy avoiding getting soggy, and their delicate flavor complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
Can I use canned pineapple for sweet and savory pineapple chicken?
Yes, canned pineapple chunks or tidbits are a convenient option. Just drain them well before adding them to the dish. Fresh pineapple will provide a brighter, fresher flavor, if available.
How do I store leftover sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice?
Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
What other vegetables can I add to sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice?
Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), onions, carrots, and snow peas all work well. Add them during the stir-fry process to your desired softness for best results.
Conclusion
There you have it a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying recipe for sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your questions and feedback. Happy cooking!
Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice: An Easy Dinner!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice recipe combines juicy chicken with a tangy pineapple sauce for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- 2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, 3-4 minutes.
- 3. Make Pineapple Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together undrained pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 4. Combine Everything: Pour pineapple sauce into the skillet with vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- 5. Add Chicken and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet with sauce and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- 6. Serve: Serve mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
