Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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Juicy, sweet, and savory all at once—Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Perfectly grilled chicken is paired with tender chunks of pineapple and colorful vegetables, all served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The glaze is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, enhanced by a touch of heat and fresh herbs for a bold finish.

This meal is not only visually stunning but also wonderfully satisfying. The caramelized bits on the chicken, the juicy pineapple pieces, and the freshness of herbs like scallions and cilantro come together in each bite. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or looking for something exciting to serve guests, this dish checks all the boxes.

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Ingredients for Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until smooth. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and sear each thigh for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Pineapple

In the same pan, add diced carrots and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the pineapple chunks and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly. Pour in the remaining marinade and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens into a glaze.

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Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze and pineapple mixture over it. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so everything is coated and warmed through.

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Step 5: Serve

Scoop warm white rice into bowls. Place the glazed chicken thighs on top, followed by the pineapple and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the rice and chicken are cooled completely before sealing.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and pineapple mixture separately from the rice.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If frozen, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Note: Values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of chicken thighs?

Chicken breasts work well too—just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use the same marinade and cooking method.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just make sure it’s packed in juice and not syrup, and drain it well before using.

What kind of rice works best?

White jasmine or basmati rice is ideal, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for variation.

How spicy is the dish?

It’s mildly spicy with the optional chili flakes. You can adjust or skip them based on your preference.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can marinate the chicken overnight and cook everything the next day for a quicker meal.

What other veggies can I add?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli would make great additions to the stir-fry.

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