Description
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, combining tender chicken, vibrant pineapple, and fluffy rice. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with tropical goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (drained, juice reserved)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and reserved pineapple juice. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Pineapple
- Stir in the soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring to incorporate them into the rice mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer, you can use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Just chop it into chunks and add it to the pan along with the canned pineapple.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or pineapple juice to suit your sweetness preference.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Tropical/Asian Fusion