Description
This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks in a flavorful, tangy sauce. Cooked quickly on the stovetop, it’s an easy and vibrant meal perfect for weeknights, bringing tropical flair and a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained if canned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add pineapple and aromatics: Stir in the pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Prepare and add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, bringing it to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the pineapple chicken mixture over cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a spicy kick to the dish.
