1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the fridge.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Heat the mixture in the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
- Cook the Veggies:
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced bell peppers and onions, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add Pineapple:
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
5. Combine Everything:
- Mix in the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple. Pour the thickened pineapple sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Serve:
- Serve Over Rice:
- Serve the pineapple chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
Tips for Success:
- Pineapple Juice: Make sure to use the juice from the canned pineapple to maximize flavor.
- Rice: Use leftover rice for a better texture or freshly cooked rice for a softer result.
- Add Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Conclusion:
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a beautiful combination of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tropical pineapple. It’s an easy, delicious meal that brings a taste of the islands to your table, perfect for weeknights or when you want to try something new!