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Pineapple Chicken and Rice

A bright, slightly sweet, and savory one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed Use breasts for lean meat that cooks quickly. Pound slightly for even pieces.
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Fresh pineapple adds brightness but canned works fine. Drain canned well to avoid thinning the sauce.
  • 2 cups cooked rice Day-old rice holds up best. If using fresh, spread it on a tray to cool slightly.
  • 1 bell pepper, diced Any color works. Red or yellow adds sweetness that kids usually like.
  • 1 onion, diced Yellow onion gives a nice balance. Soften it well to bring out natural sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic beats jarred. Add toward the end of sautéing so it does not burn.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use low-sodium if you watch salt. You can add more to taste at the table.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Olive oil works for flavor. Use a neutral oil if you plan to cook at higher heat.
  • to taste salt and pepper Add salt sparingly if your soy sauce is high in sodium.
  • Optional: green onions for garnish Slice thinly and sprinkle at the end for color and a fresh bite.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
  2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce.
  4. Mix in the cooked rice, combining everything well.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

Notes

For fuller sauces, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water while the mixture simmers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.