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Pineapple Chicken and Rice


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 35min

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  the Pineapple Sauce:
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Rice:
  • 1 ½ cups jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour for maximum flavor.
Step 2:
While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to make the pineapple sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and mix it in as well.
Step 4:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5:
In the same skillet, add the diced red bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the pineapple caramelizes at the edges.
Step 6:
Pour the pineapple sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook and reduce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 7:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together so the chicken is coated with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 8:
In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the cooked rice. Stir in soy sauce and green onions, tossing the rice until it’s heated through and lightly fried.
Step 9:
To serve, spoon the fried rice onto a plate, then top it with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

Cooking Note:

  • You can use either fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe, but fresh pineapple will give you a more vibrant, tropical flavor.
  • The cornstarch is optional for those who prefer a thicker sauce. If you like a thinner sauce, you can omit the cornstarch.
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 20min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Protein: 30g