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Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. This recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a quick yet impressive meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion about half a medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple or 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
  • Cooked white or brown rice for serving
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small Bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up any clumps, until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  4. Stir in the chopped fresh pineapple (or drained crushed pineapple) and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to soften slightly and release its juices.
    1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Add the red pepper flakes, if using. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and pineapple.
    1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats up due to the cornstarch. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken and pineapple beautifully.
  7. Spoon the Easy Pineapple Chicken and Rice mixture over bowls of hot, cooked rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired, for an extra pop of flavor and color.
    Cooked white or brown rice, Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions

Notes

A vibrant and flavorful dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.