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Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

A sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice dish made with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice for an easy tropical-inspired weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Crushed red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Add cornstarch mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Return chicken to the pan and add pineapple chunks and bell pepper, stirring to coat.
  6. Fold in cooked rice and heat through for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and optional toppings, and serve.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt. Day-old rice works best for texture and absorbs the sauce well.