Pineapple Chicken and Rice šŸšŸš

Introduction

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish has quickly become a favorite in our household. The sweet and savory combination of flavors, coupled with the bright colors of the ingredients, makes it not only a delight to eat but also a feast for the eyes. My family loves how the tender chicken blends beautifully with the juicy pineapple, while the jasmine rice soaks up all the delicious flavors. Itā€™s a quick meal that satisfies everyone, from my adventurous eaters to my picky ones. After the first bite, we all agreed it would be a regular on our dinner rotation!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup pineapple, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. SautƩ the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Pineapple: Stir in the cubed pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare the Rice: Add the jasmine rice to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the liquid.
  6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix everything well, and heat through for a couple of minutes.
  7. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition Facts

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: 350 kcal

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

  • Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
  • Consider serving with extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like it spicy.
  • Enjoy with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade.

Additional Tips

  1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers a sweeter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned.
  3. Adjust Spice Levels: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
  4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
  5. Rice Substitutes: If jasmine rice isnā€™t available, brown rice or basmati rice can work well, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Recipe Variations

  • Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Use the same ingredients but stir-fry everything in a wok for a quicker, crispy texture.
  • Coconut Pineapple Chicken: Substitute half of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
  • Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken breast instead of sautĆ©ing for a smoky flavor, and serve it over the pineapple rice.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian meal.
  • Sweet and Sour Version: Add bell pepper and carrot slices and toss them in a sweet and sour sauce for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Rice: Serve the dish over additional jasmine rice for those who want more.
  • With Noodles: For a change, serve over rice noodles for a different texture.
  • On a Bed of Greens: Place the chicken and rice mixture over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad twist.
  • With Fruit Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa on the side can add a refreshing element to the dish.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, portion out the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
  • Yes, but ensure itā€™s completely thawed before cooking for even cooking.
  1. What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
  • Basmati rice, brown rice, or even quinoa are good alternatives.
  1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  • Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
  1. How can I make this dish spicier?
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking.
  1. What if I donā€™t have fresh pineapple?
  • Canned pineapple works, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
  1. Can I add other vegetables?
  • Yes! Broccoli, peas, or snap peas are great additions.
  1. How do I store leftovers?
  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  1. Is this dish gluten-free?
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
  1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
  • You can prep the ingredients in advance, but itā€™s best cooked fresh for best flavor.
  1. What pairs well with Pineapple Chicken and Rice?
  • A side of steamed vegetables or a light salad complements the dish nicely.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Itā€™s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy jasmine rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone will love. With its easy preparation and flexibility in ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out today, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience!

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Pineapple Chicken and Rice šŸšŸš


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Serving 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delightful combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fluffy jasmine rice, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that your family will love. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, it makes a great weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup pineapple, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the pineapple and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, mix well, and heat through.
  • Serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or carrots for added nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: main course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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