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Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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This Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a sweet and savory dish packed with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and a flavorful teriyaki-inspired sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying dish the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For the Rice & Extras:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • ½ red bell pepper (diced)
  • ½ green bell pepper (diced)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

  • Cook jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well.
  • Mix in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, and diced bell peppers to the skillet.
  • Stir and cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Serve & Garnish:

  • Serve the pineapple chicken over rice.
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.


Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
  • Substitute protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.