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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Quick Family Favorite

Enjoy this Pineapple Chicken and Rice, a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs and sweet pineapple.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breast, adjust cooking time.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice Can substitute with jasmine rice or brown rice; brown rice requires longer cooking time.
  • 1.75 cups Water Combine with rice and leftover pineapple juice.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce For gluten-free diets, use tamari or coconut aminos.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Another neutral oil can be used if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.
For Aromatics
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Do not skip this ingredient!
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated) Ground ginger can be used if fresh is not available.
For the Pineapple
  • 1 can Canned Pineapple Chunks in Juice Fresh pineapple can be a great substitute if dried properly.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (vegetable or avocado) Used for searing the chicken.
To Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Cilantro Omit if cilantro isn't preferred.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Medium Bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • fork

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ½ cup of reserved pineapple juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside to thicken slightly.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with water and leftover pineapple juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper for a great sear.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the seasoned chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the canned pineapple chunks and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over. Toss gently to coat the chicken, cooking until the sauce thickens.
  8. Fluff the cooked rice and divide among serving bowls. Top with the chicken and pineapple mixture, garnishing with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy the ease of transforming simple ingredients into a meal that delights the whole family.

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