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If you love a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice, then this Pineapple Chicken and Rice is about to become your new favorite meal! Golden caramelized chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice come together in a light, tangy glaze that’s packed with tropical flavor.
Topped with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a hint of spice, this dish is a quick and easy weeknight winner that feels just a little bit special. Plus, it all comes together in one pan—so less mess, more flavor!
🍍 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
👉 For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, but adds richness!)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
🍚 How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Season & cook the chicken – Toss the chicken chunks with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the bell pepper – In the same pan, cook the red bell pepper for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
4️⃣ Toast the rice – Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast for about a minute to soak up all the flavors.
5️⃣ Add the pineapple & broth – Pour in the chicken broth and add the pineapple chunks. Stir well.
6️⃣ Simmer & cook – Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
7️⃣ Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry.
8️⃣ Pour in the sauce – Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and rice, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated and slightly thickened.
9️⃣ Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🔥 Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha!
🥭 Tropical Twist? Swap pineapple for mango or coconut milk for a unique flavor.
🥕 Extra Veggies? Toss in carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for added crunch.
🍚 Rice Choices? Jasmine rice adds fluffiness, but you can also use brown rice (just increase the broth and cook time).
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy for a fresh, light side
- Crispy egg rolls or potstickers for a fun appetizer
- A cool cucumber salad to balance the sweet-savory flavors
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. The tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and rich umami sauce make every bite irresistibly delicious.
