Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The pineapple adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken and soy sauce.
• One-Pan Wonder: All the ingredients cook together in one skillet, making cleanup easy and the cooking process quick.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cubed pineapple to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Heat through.
7. Serve the dish garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to bring some heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Different Rice: Feel free to swap the jasmine rice for brown rice or basmati for a different texture and flavor.
• Add Veggies: Throw in additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or snow peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I add other fruits to the dish?

Yes, mango or even peaches could be delicious alternatives to pineapple if you’re looking for a different flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How do I know when the rice is cooked?

The rice should be tender, and all the liquid should be absorbed. You can check by fluffing the rice with a fork.

Can I use frozen chicken breast?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as peas, carrots, or broccoli.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding a bit of sriracha sauce or some chili paste can give this dish a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, this meal is sure to become a family favorite!

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