Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice

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There’s nothing better than a dish that balances the sweetness of pineapple with the savory, sticky goodness of marinated chicken. My Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice is a delicious one-bowl wonder that bursts with tropical flavors and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a special treat for guests, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavor.

This pineapple chicken recipe is all about blending juicy chicken pieces with a tangy-sweet glaze, served over fluffy rice and topped with green onions for a fresh finish. It’s a complete meal in one plate, but trust me, you’ll want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Recipe:

This recipe has everything you need for a perfect meal:

• Balanced Flavor: The tangy pineapple combined with the sweet and sticky glaze creates a harmony of tastes.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and vibrant ingredients like pineapple and green onions, this dish is nutritious as well as delicious.
• Versatile: You can serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish never fails to impress! Let’s get started.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken

To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples along with fresh ingredients that truly bring it to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken pieces are perfect for this dish. Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and easy serving. Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
• Pineapple Chunks – Fresh pineapple is ideal for a vibrant, juicy flavor, but canned pineapple works great, too. Reserve some juice for the sauce if using canned.
• Soy Sauce – Adds a salty, umami depth to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Brown Sugar – For a touch of caramelized sweetness that helps create the sticky glaze.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic kick to the dish.
• Ginger – Use grated fresh ginger for a zesty, slightly spicy warmth.
• Rice Vinegar – This adds a tangy edge to the sauce, helping to balance out the sweetness.
• Sesame Oil – A small drizzle gives the dish a nutty, toasted flavor.
• Cornstarch – Essential for thickening the glaze and ensuring it coats the chicken perfectly.
• Green Onions – Freshly chopped for garnish, they add a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch.
• Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds for garnish add texture and a nutty flavor.
• Cooked Rice – White, brown, or jasmine rice makes the perfect base to soak up all the sauce.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken with Rice

This dish comes together quickly and easily with just a few simple steps. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss the chicken chunks in the marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of sesame oil and sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze

In the same pan, pour the leftover marinade along with a splash of pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple). Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple and Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat it in the sauce. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the pineapple is heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of warm rice. Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch.

It’s that simple! With these easy steps, you’ll have a dish that looks like it came straight from a restaurant but tastes even better because it’s homemade.

How Long to Cook Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken

Cooking times for this recipe are quick and easy, but timing is key to getting perfectly juicy chicken and a sticky, flavorful glaze. Here’s a guide:

• Chicken Cooking Time: When searing the chicken in the skillet, it should take 5-7 minutes to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Sauce Thickening Time: The pineapple glaze will need about 2-3 minutes to thicken after adding the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or clumping.
• Final Tossing: Once the chicken and pineapple are added back into the skillet, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just to combine the flavors and warm the pineapple.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pineapple Chicken

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking a large batch, sear the chicken in two smaller portions. This ensures that the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.
2. Pineapple Heating Tip: Only cook the pineapple briefly. Heating it too long can cause it to lose its fresh, tangy bite.
3. Marinade Smarts: If using the leftover marinade for the glaze, make sure it’s brought to a boil to kill any bacteria before thickening it with cornstarch.

Storing Leftovers

This pineapple chicken is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freezer: To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat the chicken gently over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after cooling.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Rest Your Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest in the pan (off the heat) for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your dish less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly and use more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance the flavor.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll have perfectly cooked, sweet-and-savory pineapple chicken every time!

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