![To make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, you need some simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups jasmine rice - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow) - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - Water or chicken broth for cooking rice Each ingredient brings its own flavor to the dish. The jasmine rice adds a soft base, while the chicken provides protein. Fresh pineapple gives a sweet touch that pairs well with the savory flavors. You can add bell peppers for color and crunch. Don’t forget the garlic and ginger; they add depth and warmth to the dish. You can check the [Full Recipe] for all the steps and tips to make this meal shine. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice. Place it in a fine sieve and run cold water over it. Do this until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and makes the rice fluffy. Next, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water or chicken broth in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will absorb all the liquid and become tender. After cooking, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. While the rice cooks, it's time to prepare the chicken. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. For a golden color, avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them softened but not browned. After that, stir in 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and, if you like heat, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. Now it’s time to cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the skillet. Then, toss in 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple. Stir everything together so the pineapple and chicken mix well. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This heats the pineapple and lets it soak up some of the sauce. For serving, spoon the cooked rice onto deep plates or bowls. Top it generously with the sweet pineapple chicken mixture. To make it look nice, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions. For a fun touch, add a few pineapple chunks on top. A sprig of cilantro can also freshen up the dish. This Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice is a colorful and tasty meal that will please everyone. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To get your Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice just right, consider the balance of flavors. If you want more sweetness, add more honey. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Taste as you go! Use a non-stick skillet for even cooking and easier cleanup. A meat thermometer helps ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. One common issue is overcooking the rice. Follow the cooking time closely to avoid mushy rice. Also, be careful with garlic. Burning it can create a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant for the best flavor. You can try adding nuts like cashews for crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add brightness. Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Tofu works well for a plant-based dish. Shrimp also adds a nice touch and cooks quickly. For the rice, try brown rice for more fiber or quinoa for a protein boost. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light yet flavorful, perfect for those watching their carbs. Adding fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Try cilantro or basil for a fresh twist. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika for depth. For sauces, consider sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. These small changes can make a big impact on taste. Store leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. I like using glass containers. They seal well and are easy to clean. Let the food cool first before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, the microwave is quick and easy. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to warm evenly. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on low and stir often. This helps keep the rice fluffy and the chicken juicy. You can freeze Sweet Pineapple Chicken and Rice. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using your preferred method. Enjoy the same great taste! For the Full Recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, follow these steps: 1. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice. Boil it with 4 cups of water or broth. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes. 2. Cook the chicken: Season 4 chicken thighs. Sauté in sesame oil until golden and cooked through. 3. Make the sauce: Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add honey, soy sauce, and ginger. 4. Combine chicken and pineapple: Cut chicken and mix it with diced pineapple. Cook until heated. 5. Serve: Plate the rice and top with the chicken mixture. Garnish with green onions. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Yes, you can use canned pineapple. However, it changes the flavor and texture. Canned pineapple is sweeter and softer. Fresh pineapple adds brightness and crunch. For best results, drain and rinse the canned pineapple. This reduces extra syrup and keeps flavors balanced. Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always cool it down before sealing. Reheat it well before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it away for safety. You can serve this dish with various sides: - Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch. - A fresh green salad to add brightness. - Egg rolls for a fun, crispy side. These pairings complement the flavors nicely! This post covered all you need for making Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice. We explored each ingredient, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned how to enhance flavors and make substitutions. Keeping leftovers fresh and safe is important too. When you follow these steps, you can create a tasty dish every time. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your own twists on this recipe!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ba206872-4b38-472b-8e4a-8798b9346f73-250x250.webp)
Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea? Try this Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice! With tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a savory sauce, it's a flavorful meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. Ready to impress your family with a delightful dinner? Click through to discover the full recipe and cooking tips to make this tasty dish shine!