Description
A comforting yet tropical-inspired dinner that combines tender chicken bites, juicy pineapple chunks, and a sweet-and-savory garlic soy glaze—served over fluffy rice. Quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can or fresh)
⅓ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
4 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar or honey. Stir well.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce until thickened and glossy.
4. Return chicken to the pan, add pineapple chunks. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so flavors blend and pineapple warms through.
5. Serve hot over rice. Top with green onions and enjoy!
Notes
For extra depth, use chicken thighs—they’re juicier and more forgiving during cooking.
Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it’s key for that beautiful, glossy sauce.
Add red pepper flakes or chili oil to turn up the heat if you love spicy dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, one-pan dinner