Pineapple Chicken and Rice – A Quick & Healthy Dinner

Looking for a delicious and healthy easy dinner recipe for the family? This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. Whether you’re craving chicken and pineapple recipes, need a chicken dinner idea quick, or want chicken and rice recipes healthy, this dish checks all the boxes!

Ready in under 30 minutes, this light dinner recipe healthy enough for weeknights but flavorful enough for special occasions is a must-try. Let’s dive into this easy meal that will keep your family coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy & balanced – Lean protein, whole grains, and fresh ingredients.
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
• Customizable – Works with different proteins or vegetables.
• Sweet & savory – A perfect mix of pineapple sweetness and savory chicken.

Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening)

For the Rice & Vegetables:

• 1 ½ cups (285g) cooked brown or jasmine rice
• 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup (75g) peas or snap peas
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Pour in the pineapple sauce and stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the cooked rice and toss everything together until heated through.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
2. Serve warm and enjoy this quick and easy dinner recipe healthy enough for the whole family!

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Tips for the Best Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Use fresh pineapple – It adds more natural sweetness and texture.
• Cook rice ahead of time – Leftover rice works best for stir-fried dishes.
• For extra flavor – Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Make it spicier – Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Want more crunch? Toss in cashews or almonds before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Chicken Pineapple Recipe with Coconut Rice:

• Cook rice with coconut milk instead of water for extra richness.

Vegetarian Pineapple Rice:

• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
• Use veggie broth instead of soy sauce for a lighter taste.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken:

• Grill the chicken and pineapple separately for a smoky flavor.

Low-Carb Version:

• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Extra Protein Option:

• Add scrambled eggs or cooked shrimp for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken – It can become dry. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
• Adding too much sauce at once – Start with less and add more as needed.
• Not stirring the cornstarch slurry well – It must be fully mixed to avoid lumps.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best if stored separately from rice).
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

What to Serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• Steamed broccoli – A great low-carb side option.
• Cucumber salad – Refreshing and light.
• Egg rolls or dumplings – A fun side dish to complement the flavors.

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FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes! Just be sure to drain the juice before adding.

What’s the best rice to use?

Brown rice or jasmine rice works best, but quinoa is a great alternative.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Store the chicken and rice separately for easy reheating.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a top choice for healthy easy dinner recipes for family. Whether you need a chicken dinner idea quick, a chicken pineapple recipe, or a quick and easy dinner recipe healthy enough for any night of the week, this dish is a winner.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your chicken and rice recipes healthy variations. Happy cooking!

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