Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet (Printer View)

Tender chicken and bell peppers with pineapple and rice cooked in a flavorful sweet-savory sauce.

# What you'll need:

→ 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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pan simplicity means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • Sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce create an addictive balance
  • Colorful bell peppers add crunch, nutrition, and visual appeal
  • Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for weeknight cooking
  • Dairy-free and easily customizable to suit your preferences
  • Kid-friendly flavors that adults love too
02 -
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra juiciness and flavor
  • Reserve a few pineapple chunks to add fresh at the end for textural contrast
  • Make sure your skillet is large enough (at least 12 inches) to accommodate all ingredients comfortably
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid
  • Prep all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth, stress-free process
  • Double-check that your soy sauce is low-sodium to avoid an overly salty dish
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