Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Pineapple Sauce:

1. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add sauce ingredients: Stir in pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
3. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it to coat in the pineapple sauce. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Prepare the Rice:

1. In a separate pan, heat butter or oil. Sauté green onions and bell peppers (if using) until softened.
2. Add cooked rice: Stir in the cooked rice, mixing well to heat through and combine flavors.

Serve:

• Spoon the pineapple chicken over the rice and garnish with extra green onions or cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your sweet and savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice!