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Easy Skillet Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Close-up of a bowl filled with white rice topped with saucy pineapple chicken and garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Make this quick, family-friendly tropical chicken dinner in one skillet. This recipe combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory sauce served over fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Serve the pineapple chicken immediately over the cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the soy sauce.
  • You can substitute brown rice for white rice, adjusting the cooking time for the rice separately.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • This dish works well for meal prep; store the rice and chicken mixture separately for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/pineapple-chicken-and-rice-recipe/