Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a deliciously easy meal that combines tender chicken with sweet pineapple and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. The tropical flavors harmonize beautifully to create a satisfying and refreshing dish that can be customized with additional vegetables or protein alternatives like shrimp or tofu.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Cooking
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the rice: While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken and pineapple: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to caramelize slightly and blend with the chicken.
- Combine and serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to serving plates. Top with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
