Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tropical-inspired meal. The combination of juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and fluffy rice makes it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make it:

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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or store-bought)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tsp grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine), for serving

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
   • Add the diced pineapple and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions and extra pineapple chunks, if desired.

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Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice:

• Use fresh pineapple: If available, fresh pineapple adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your preference.
• Add heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Make it ahead: The dish can be prepared in advance and reheated—just store the chicken and rice separately to maintain texture.

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This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that will transport you to the tropics with every bite! 🍍🍚😊