Pineapple Chicken Rice: Sweet & Savory Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Sweet & savory Pineapple Chicken Rice is a vibrant, easy family dinner. Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice create a delicious meal everyone will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Heart
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 cup jasmine rice
04 -
2 cups water
05 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Sweet Pineapple Glaze
06 -
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
07 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 -
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
09 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 -
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
12 -
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice (from can)
→ Aromatic Veggie Medley
13 -
1/2 yellow onion, diced
14 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
15 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Fresh Garnish
17 -
2 green onions, sliced
18 -
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 1 cup jasmine rice and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This forms the base for your Pineapple Chicken Rice: Sweet & Savory Family Dinner.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. This is your sweet pineapple glaze for the dish.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, add 1/2 yellow onion, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
05 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained. Pour in the prepared sweet pineapple glaze. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. This creates the heart of your Pineapple Chicken Rice: Sweet & Savory Family Dinner.
06 -
Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Serve the Pineapple Chicken Rice: Sweet & Savory Family Dinner mixture over the warm rice. Garnish each serving with 2 green onions, sliced, and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy this delightful meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
02 -
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
04 -
This dish is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for added greens.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
Medium saucepan
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 600 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 33 g