Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that hits all the right flavor notes? This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings the best of tangy pineapple, tender chicken, and a sticky-savory glaze in one easy meal. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving healthy food ideas that still feel indulgent. Whether it’s a simple lunch, an easy recipe for dinner, or new meal prep inspiration, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, balanced, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
400g chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice or fresh)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the pineapple if using fresh. Make sure your rice is already cooked and warm.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with sesame or vegetable oil. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Add garlic and pineapple to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour in the sauce and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and pineapple.
6. Serve the mixture over hot cooked rice and top with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
If using fresh pineapple, choose a ripe one for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
To keep the sauce silky, always stir it well before pouring it into the hot pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg