Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a tropical-inspired meal that’s both savory and sweet, balancing juicy pineapple chunks with tender chicken in a rich sauce. This easy-to-make, one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and nutritious. With ingredients like ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and soy sauce, each bite packs a burst of flavors that will make this a favorite for everyone at the table!

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with a little salt and pepper.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
3. Drain Pineapple: If using canned pineapple, drain it and measure out 1 cup of chunks.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Oil in a Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Tip: Browning the chicken first seals in the juices and adds flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add More Oil if Needed: If the pan is dry, add the remaining olive oil.
2. Cook Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring frequently for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the chicken back to the skillet.
2. Add Pineapple and Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and honey (or brown sugar). Stir everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

1. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

1. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce if needed.
2. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of color and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pineapple Chicken and Rice in bowls, and garnish with lime wedges for a bit of fresh acidity. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, although canned works well too.
2. Rinse the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming overly sticky.
3. Watch the Rice: Check towards the end of cooking; if the rice absorbs too much liquid, add a small amount of extra broth or water.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Pineapple Rice: Omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.
2. Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add diced jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Use Coconut Milk: Substitute 1 cup of chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamier, richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a tropical, one-pan meal that’s both simple to make and loaded with flavor. The sweetness of pineapple perfectly balances the savory chicken and seasoned rice, creating a satisfying dish that’s sure to please. With minimal ingredients and easy cleanup, it’s a fantastic go-to recipe for any night of the week!

Yield: 4

Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe

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This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a tropical-inspired meal that's both savory and sweet, balancing juicy pineapple chunks with tender chicken in a rich sauce. This easy-to-make, one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and nutritious. With ingredients like ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and soy sauce, each bite packs a burst of flavors that will make this a favorite for everyone at the table!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice (or rice of choice)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
   
4. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the pineapple chunks. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: Try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or toss in a handful of cashews for extra crunch.