When it comes to a comforting meal that brings a touch of tropical sweetness to the dinner table, Pineapple Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and aromatic rice, creating a delightful harmony of taste and texture. Having made this dish countless times for family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners, I can assure you that it never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to satisfy a crowd or something special to enjoy with your family, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and kid-approved! The combination of savory chicken with sweet pineapple creates a balance that fascinates the palate, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less clean-up – who doesn’t love that?
“I made this for a family dinner and everyone went back for seconds! The pineapple adds such a refreshing twist.” – Emily, a satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
This meal comes together in just a few easy steps. First, you’ll sauté the chicken until golden brown. Then, aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper get added for depth of flavor. Next, rice and chicken broth bring the dish together. Finally, a finishing touch of pineapple and soy sauce rounds everything out beautifully. Ready your taste buds for this quick culinary journey!
What You’ll Need
To bring this delightful dish to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Soy sauce to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Feel free to swap jasmine rice for basmati or customize the veggies according to your preferences!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Next, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the rice and chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
- Incorporate the pineapple chunks and a splash of soy sauce, stirring gently to combine.
- Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pineapple through.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. For a burst of flavor, consider a drizzle of extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can serve this dish in a bowl for a casual vibe or plate it elegantly for a more formal occasion!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, transfer the dish to an airtight container once it cools. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When reheating, ensure it’s heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider freezing it for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Pro Chef Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be fluffy and not mushy.
- Not a fan of pineapple? You can substitute it with mango or even peaches for a seasonal twist!
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with your Pineapple Chicken and Rice! Swap out the chicken for shrimp, or go vegetarian with your favorite plant-based protein. You can also introduce some heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Changing up the vegetables can add new flair—think snap peas, carrots, or even water chestnuts for crunch.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20-25 minutes. You can have a delightful dinner on the table in less than an hour!
Can I substitute the rice?
Absolutely! Rice is versatile; feel free to use quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
What should I do if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water will work just fine in place of chicken broth. However, adding a little extra seasoning can map up the flavor.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweet pineapple and savory chicken are often a hit with younger taste buds. Plus, since it’s all in one pot, it’s easy to serve.
Whip up this Pineapple Chicken and Rice, and you’ll find it’s a delightful dish that can brighten any dinner table. With its tropical flair, it’s a meal that offers not just nourishment but a bit of culinary adventure too!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick meal combining tender chicken with sweet pineapple and aromatic rice, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Soy sauce to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Next, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the rice and chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
- Incorporate the pineapple chunks and a splash of soy sauce, stirring gently to combine.
- Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pineapple through.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce before cooking. Best served with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian