Pineapple Chicken & Rice: Sweet, Savory, Easy Dinner (Print Version)

Sweet and savory pineapple chicken and rice is a quick, flavorful dinner. This easy one-pan meal combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice for a family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Tropical Chicken Core

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

→ Sweet & Savory Glaze

03 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
06 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
07 - 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Aromatic Sauté & Rice Foundation

09 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
12 - 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
13 - 3 cups water
14 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Fresh Finish

15 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
16 - 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained), 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This sweet and savory glaze is essential for your Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet, Savory & Easy Dinner.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. This builds the flavor foundation.
03 - Stir 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice and 1/2 tsp salt into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Pour in 3 cups water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
04 - While the rice cooks, season 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, with salt and black pepper to taste. In a separate large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
05 - Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the rice and vegetables. Pour in the prepared pineapple sauce. Stir everything together gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and rice. This completes the main cooking for your Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet, Savory & Easy Dinner.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat and let the Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice – Sweet, Savory & Easy Dinner rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish generously with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used instead of thighs. Adjust cooking time slightly as breast cooks faster.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 - This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad would complement it beautifully.
04 - A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics can give this dish a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.

# 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
07 - Grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 732 kcal
Total Fat: 19 g
Total Carbohydrate: 95 g
Protein: 39 g

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