Pineapple Chicken and Rice: A Tropical Delight Awaits
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal. This vibrant recipe features tender chicken drenched in a mouthwatering pineapple sauce, complemented by fluffy rice.
As a result, it’s not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a visual delight that can brighten up any dinner table.
Moreover, this tropical-inspired meal is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, pineapple chicken served over rice delivers on all fronts.
Dive into this culinary journey and discover the endless possibilities this dish offers!
What You Need to Know
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is an exciting dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors. To make this delightful meal, you’ll need boneless chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, rice, and a few seasonings to enhance the dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly in one pan, allowing for easy cleanup.
To elevate this dish, consider preparing a tangy side like spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney. This not only adds zest but also complements the sweetness of the pineapple in your main dish. You can choose different types of rice, from jasmine to brown, based on your preference, making this recipe adaptable to various diets or taste buds.
In summary, Pineapple Chicken and Rice is not just a meal, but an experience filled with flavor and comfort. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Making a delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast, cubed | 1 pound |
| Pineapple, cubed | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Jasmine rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Green onions, sliced | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
This vibrant dish offers a fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. For a related recipe that also celebrates savory flavors, check out One Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas.
How to Prepare
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Bell Pepper
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Pineapple and Flavorings
Mix in 1 cup cubed pineapple, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the jasmine rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the dish. Serve warm and enjoy!
This delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney for added zest. For health benefits of pineapple, see this article, and elevate your meal today!
Flavor Combinations with Pineapple Chicken and Rice
| Pairing / Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney | Adds a spicy, zesty kick that enhances the pineapple flavor. |
| Greek Sheet Pan Chicken | A refreshing side that contrasts flavors and textures. |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad | Introduces vibrant flavors to complement the dish. |
| Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta & Garlic | Adds savory richness, balancing the pineapple’s sweetness. |
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Side Salad: Add a crunchy contrast with a quick cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with lime juice.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli or green beans for a healthy, colorful balance.
- Spicy Condiments: Try a homemade spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney to amplify flavors with a kick.
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Bread or Tortillas: Pair with crispy breadsticks or warm tortillas for a complete, shareable meal.
Storage Tips for Pineapple Chicken and Rice
To store your delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions, which can last for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of pineapple juice for extra flavor. Enjoy this dish alongside other tasty recipes, like One-Pan Balsamic Chicken, for more meal variety!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What ingredients are needed for Pineapple Chicken and Rice?
To prepare a delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish, you’ll typically need chicken breasts or thighs, jasmine or basmati rice, pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Feel free to personalize it with veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
How long does it take to cook Pineapple Chicken and Rice?
Cooking Pineapple Chicken and Rice is relatively quick and can be done in about 30 to 40 minutes. The chicken usually takes around 20 minutes to cook, while the rice needs around 15 minutes. Timing depends on how golden and tender you want the chicken.
Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be prepped and cooked in advance. Just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be prepped and cooked in advance. Just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A tropical-inspired Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice—perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 cup pineapple, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the chicken: Add cubed chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
Incorporate pineapple and flavorings: Add pineapple, soy sauce, and grated ginger; stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Cook the rice: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
Customize with additional vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
For extra flavor, drizzle a little sriracha or sweet chili sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken rice, tropical chicken dish, sweet and savory chicken, quick weeknight dinner, one-pan chicken recipe
