Pineapple Chicken and Rice
A delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with chicken, pineapple, and rice, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- 2 tbsp Olive or Sesame Oil Used for sautéing.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium is a healthier alternative.
- 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice Use juice from canned pineapple for convenience.
- 2 tbsp Honey or Brown Sugar Consider using maple syrup as a substitute.
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar Can use white vinegar in a pinch.
- 1 tsp Cornstarch Mix with 1 tbsp of water to avoid lumps.
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice Use white, brown, or jasmine rice based on preference.
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Opt for fresh or drained canned chunks.
- 1/2 whole Red Bell Pepper Diced; substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.
- 1/4 cup Green Onions Chopped; chives make a great substitute.
- to taste Sesame seeds For serving; customize based on taste preferences.
- to taste Crushed red pepper Optional for extra spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by heating the olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water together. This will be your sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and add the pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir everything together gently.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve this delicious chicken and pineapple mixture over a bed of warm cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
Use fresh pineapple for a burst of flavor, but canned pineapple works just fine if you're short on time. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or brown sugar according to your taste. If you're looking for extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking. For meal prep, cook rice and chicken ahead of time and combine them only when you’re ready to eat. Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g
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