Pineapple Chicken and Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

→ Sauce

03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1/3 cup pineapple juice
06 - 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
07 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tsp cornstarch
09 - 1 tbsp water

→ Main Dish

10 - 1.5 cups cooked rice
11 - 1 cup pineapple chunks
12 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
13 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ Optional Toppings

14 - Sesame seeds
15 - Crushed red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive or sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken breast pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, and vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
03 - Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return chicken to the pan, then add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
04 - Gently fold in the cooked rice, warming it through and combining thoroughly with the sauce and other ingredients. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes.
05 - Remove the pan from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the tropical flavors.

# Notes:

01 - Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.