I tried mаking Pineapple Chicken last nіght . The tеndеr chicken mixed with swеet pineapple flavor kindа rocks , but I forgot the soy sauce so it was just meh for a bit . After I added more brown sugar it tasted way better and peоple asked for more
Put that chicken over hot rice and it got real filling . I used jasmine rice , but basmati works too . Rice soaks up all the sauce so you dont need a side dish , but you can add veggies if u want
This recipe is pretty easy for any cook . You dont need fancy skills , just cut stuff and stir . Families can help and finish in under an hour . Kids even helped me stir the pan . It turned dinner into a fun time
Ingredients
To make this Pineapple Chicken and Rice you need :
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs , cut into bite sized pieces
- Pineapple: 1 cup of pineapple chunks , canned (in juice or light syrup) or fresh
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green pepper , sliced for color and a bit of crunch
- Onion: 1 medium onion , diced for sweetness and depth
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup of soy sauce for that umami punch
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons to boost the pineapple’s sweetness
- Garlic and Ginger: 2 cloves garlic (minced) and a 1-inch piece of ginger (grated) for aroma
- Rice: 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice , your call for a filling base
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing everything
- Optional Garnishes: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and looks
When picking ingredients , fresh pineapple gives the best punch but canned is ok too . Jasmine rice smells awesome but basmati has a nutty taste . You can swap veggies based on what’s in season or your personal preferences .
Directions
Preparation
First get all ingredients ready and chopped . Slice the chicken , bell peppers and onion . That prep takes about 15 minutes so its quick .
Cooking the Rice
Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear . Then put it in a pot with 1.5 cups water , bring to a boil . Cover the pot and turn heat low , cook for 15 minutes or until water is gone . Fluff with a fork before serving .
Making the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over med ium high heat . Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper . Cook about 5 to 7 minutes until browned . Toss in onions and peppers , cook 3 to 4 more minutes until soft . Add pineapple chunks and the sauce : ¼ cup soy sauce , 2 tablespoons brown sugar , minced garlic and grated ginger . Stir well and let it simmer 5 minutes so sauce gets sticky . Make sure all chicken is coated in sauce .
Assembly
Serve the Pineapple Chicken over the fluffy rice . Top with optional green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch . For a side you can do steamed veggies or salad .
Tips and Tricks for Success
Do not overcook the chicken or it gets dry . Taste the sauce before cooking to adjust the sweet or salty level by adding more sugar or soy sauce . When you store leftovers , let it cool then put in a sealed container . Reheat slowly to keep the chicken tender .
Pairing Suggestions
You can serve this with a green salad or steamed broccoli . A cold coconut water or lemonade goes nice with the sweet and savory mix . Perfect for dinners with friends or family .
Nutritional Information
This dish has protein from the chicken , carbs from rice and vitamins from pineapple and veggies . For low sodium use reduced salt soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos . You can also swap white rice for brown rice for more fiber .
FAQs Section
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use breasts for lean meat or thighs for more juiciness . Both cook well so pick your favorite .
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes , brown rice works but needs more water and about 40 minutes to cook .
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes , sliced jalapenos or swirl in some sriracha when cooking the sauce .
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
You can cook everything ahead and keep in fridge for up to 3 days . Warm it up gently before serving .
What are some good substitutions for vegetables?
Try zucchini , carrots or snap peas instead of bell peppers . Mix and match to get different colors .
Conclusion
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a simple meal that tastes awesome . It brings together sweet pineapple and savory chicken for a tasty combo everyone loves . Give it a try and add your own twist .
Call to Action
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out or what you changed . Follow the blog for more easy recipes like this one !
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or wok
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks drained (reserve the juice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and ground ginger. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Stir in the soy sauce, honey, pineapple chunks, and reserved pineapple juice into the chicken mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. Serve the chicken mixture over the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
