Pineapple Chicken And Rice (Printable)
Tender chicken, juicy pineapple, crisp vegetables, and fragrant rice tossed in a glossy sweet-salty sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Fruits & Vegetables
02 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (canned in juice, drained, may be substituted)
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
05 - 3 green onions, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
→ Rice
08 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (day-old preferred)
→ Sauce
09 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
10 - 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
→ Cooking Oils & Seasonings
15 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and sugar snap peas, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
04 - Return the seared chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the diced pineapple and green onions, tossing gently to incorporate.
05 - Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything to coat evenly and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and glossy.
06 - Add the cooked rice to the pan and toss gently to combine with the saucy chicken and vegetables. Cook for about 2 minutes until heated through.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That balance of sweet pineapple and salty soy sauce creates a glaze that clings to every grain of rice and you will find yourself going back for just one more bite.
- Everything cooks in a single skillet, so you get a vibrant, complete meal with barely any dishes to wash at the end.
02 -
- If you add the rice while the pan is too wet, it will steam instead of fry, so always let the sauce thicken before the rice goes in.
- Crowding the chicken in the pan causes it to steam rather than sear, which means you lose that golden crust that makes each bite satisfying.
03 -
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel before seasoning them, because moisture on the surface is the enemy of a good sear.
- Prep every ingredient before you turn on the heat since this moves fast once it starts and you will not have time to chop while things cook.