🌿 **Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Rice Skillet

with Ginger Soy Glaze (Mediterranean Inspired)**

A bright, comforting one-pan meal with juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, vegetables, herbs, and a light ginger-soy glaze that keeps everything Mediterranean-friendly.

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🍗 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Chicken & Rice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup zucchini, diced (optional but very Mediterranean)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp turmeric (optional for color)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Ginger Soy Glaze

(Mediterranean-adapted — light and low sugar)

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey (or 100% pure date syrup)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro

• 1–2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• Squeeze of fresh lime or lemon

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🍳 Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Add chicken to the pan and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.

4. Remove and set aside.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables

1. In the same pan add onion and bell pepper.

2. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic, zucchini, and pineapple chunks.

4. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until pineapple begins to caramelize slightly.

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3. Add Rice & Spices

1. Stir in the rice, paprika, turmeric, and chili flakes.

2. Toast the rice for 1 minute with the vegetables.

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4. Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in chicken broth.

2. Return the chicken to the pan.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

4. Cover and cook 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

5. Fluff gently with a fork.

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5. Make the Ginger Soy Glaze

1. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, honey, vinegar/lemon, ginger, garlic powder, and cornstarch slurry.

2. Pour the glaze into a small saucepan and heat 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

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6. Finish the Dish

1. Pour the glaze over the cooked chicken-rice mixture.

2. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

3. Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley/cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon or lime.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)

• Serve with a simple cucumber-tomato salad

• Pair with roasted broccoli or green beans

• Add more herbs like mint or basil

• Serve with whole-grain or brown rice instead of white for added fiber

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❤️ Why It Fits the Mediterranean Style

• Cooked with olive oil

• Uses lean protein

• Packed with vegetables

• Low added sugar, fresh pineapple for natural sweetness

• Uses aromatic herbs and citrus

• One-pan wholesome meal