Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet (Print)

A vibrant one-pan dish featuring juicy pineapple, tender chicken, bell peppers, and fluffy rice in a flavorful sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Rice

02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Vegetables and Fruit

03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
05 - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
06 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Sauce

09 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
10 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
11 - 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Other

15 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing
16 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
17 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, optional for thickening

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant, then add bell pepper strips and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
03 - Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 1 minute. Return the browned chicken to the pan.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
05 - Add chicken broth and pineapple chunks. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
06 - If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
07 - Remove from heat and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum time to actually enjoy your meal.
  • The sweet and savory balance feels restaurant-quality but tastes like home cooking, if that makes sense.
  • It's naturally dairy-free, flexible enough to customize, and comes together faster than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • If your rice still seems wet after 20 minutes, resist the urge to add more heat; give it a few minutes of rest off the heat instead.
  • Cutting chicken into pieces that are roughly the same size matters more than you'd think—they cook evenly and stay tender together.
03 -
  • If using fresh pineapple, save the juice from cutting it instead of buying it separately—it's fresher and you've already got the fruit out.
  • Sesame oil is potent; measure it carefully because more isn't better, it's just overwhelming.
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