Description This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice in a savory-sweet sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the tropical burst of pineapple makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed into approximately 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed into bite-sized pieces (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil such as coconut or avocado oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice (long-grain rice also works well)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred to control saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh ginger provides the best flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Cube the chicken breast into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Cube the pineapple. Having all your ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process and make it more efficient. Measure out the rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and keep them within easy reach.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breast. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Be sure to cook the chicken in a single layer to promote even browning. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from becoming overcooked and dry while the rest of the dish is prepared.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet (without cleaning it, to retain the chicken’s flavorful remnants), add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. This step builds a flavor base for the dish and ensures the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add the Pineapple and Rice Add the cubed pineapple to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Cooking the pineapple briefly helps to release its natural sweetness and allows it to caramelize slightly, enhancing its flavor. Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the chicken broth. It’s crucial to keep the lid on to allow the rice to steam properly. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release steam and affect the rice’s texture.
Step 6: Combine and Heat Through Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish. Ensure the chicken is heated through before serving, typically taking 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Serve the Pineapple Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add a fresh, herbaceous note, while the sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasant visual appeal.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The tender chicken pieces, combined with the juicy, sweet pineapple, create a harmonious sweet-savory experience. The jasmine rice, cooked in flavorful chicken broth, adds a fragrant and satisfying base. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity and quick preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. The dish can be customized to suit your preferences – add more vegetables, adjust the level of sweetness or spice, or use different types of protein.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Standalone Meal: This Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, providing a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
- With a Side Salad: Serve it with a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber salad to add extra freshness and fiber.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Complement the dish with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snow peas for added nutrients and texture.
- With Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Pair it with crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls for a more elaborate and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
- Make it a Bowl Meal: Serve over rice noodles or quinoa and top with avocado and sriracha mayo.
Tips:
- Pineapple Freshness: Fresh pineapple is always preferred for its superior flavor and texture. However, canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) can be used as a convenient alternative. Be sure to drain the canned pineapple well before adding it to the dish.
- Chicken Breast Alternatives: Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor. Cut them into similarly sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Rice Variety: While jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, long-grain rice or brown rice can also be used. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, snow peas, or bok choy, to enhance its nutritional value and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of ginger and pepper to suit your spice preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added for extra heat.
- Leftovers: This dish is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Make it Gluten Free: To ensure the recipe is gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar flavor profile.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 400mg (depending on the sodium content of the chicken broth and soy sauce used)
Conclusion
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Its combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements, along with its ease of preparation, makes it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique variation. Enjoy the deliciousness of this simple yet satisfying dish!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh or canned?
- Yes, you can use frozen pineapple. Thaw it slightly before adding it to the skillet, and be sure to drain any excess liquid. The texture of frozen pineapple might be slightly softer compared to fresh, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- I don’t have jasmine rice. What other type of rice can I use?
- If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use long-grain rice as a substitute. Long-grain rice has a similar texture and cooking time. Brown rice can also be used, but you will need to increase the cooking time and the amount of chicken broth. Short-grain rice is not recommended as it tends to become sticky.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
- Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cube it, and pan-fry it until golden brown before adding it to the skillet. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and that your soy sauce doesn’t contain any animal products.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- To add some heat to your Pineapple Chicken and Rice, you can incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while cooking. You can also add a finely chopped chili pepper along with the onions and garlic. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
- Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
- Yes, this dish can be adapted for a slow cooker. Sauté the chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the pineapple, rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and ginger. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
