Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Looking for a tropical twist on your dinner lineup? This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe brings together the juicy brightness of pineapple with the rich, umami flavors of marinated chicken. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that will turn any meal into something special. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a satisfying dinner for friends and family, this dish is easy to make and seriously delicious.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 ½ cups jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
🍳 Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Add chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken (including marinade) and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
- Stir in bell pepper and pineapple chunks, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Combine with rice, toss well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Tips
- Want extra crisp on your chicken? Sear it separately and mix in at the end.
- For added depth, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness.
- Pairs perfectly with a cold iced tea or a crisp white wine.
