If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than Pineapple Chicken and Rice! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a savory sauce that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
Imagine the juicy pieces of chicken coated in a sticky, sweet sauce, complemented by the bright flavor of pineapple and the comforting texture of rice. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles to the dinner table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a delicious balance.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, making it great for family meals.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or serve it over different grains.
Ingredients List
To create your Pineapple Chicken and Rice, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Vegetables
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine with Rice
- Mix in Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Rice Alternatives: Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier version of this Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers of your Pineapple Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with Pineapple Chicken and Rice?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine with rice just before serving.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil to enhance the flavor profile of your Pineapple Chicken and Rice.
Conclusion
Indulge in the tropical flavors of Pineapple Chicken and Rice! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, combining the delicious tastes of chicken and pineapple in a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With its vibrant flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
We’d love to hear how your Pineapple Chicken and Rice turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every flavorful bite of your Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Tropical Delight for Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe features tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice cooked in a savory, tangy sauce. It's the perfect quick and satisfying meal with a tropical flair that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Pour over chicken and stir.
- Add Pineapple and Vegetables: Stir in pineapple chunks and diced bell pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Combine with Rice: Add cooked rice and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for variety. Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier base. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha. Store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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