Description
Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice brings island flavors to your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Juicy chicken nestled among fluffy rice creates a delightful meal that transports you to a beachside paradise with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or ground
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup (36 grams) green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup (185 grams) jasmine or basmati rice, uncooked
Instructions
- Warm the skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then carefully sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and diced bell peppers, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce rice, chicken broth, reserved pineapple liquid, soy sauce, and honey into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to its lowest setting. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to gently simmer, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender over 15-18 minutes.
- Fold the previously cooked chicken and tropical pineapple chunks into the rice mixture, heating everything uniformly for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions across the top. Delicately adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
- Keep chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
- Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that’s been cooled for best absorption of flavors and optimal moisture.
- Consider reducing honey for a less sweet version or increasing for those who prefer more caramelized notes in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg