Description
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender diced chicken breast with sweet pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and savory soy sauce. This delightful recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner and can be prepared in just 35 minutes, serving 4 people. The blend of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors creates a harmonious and satisfying meal loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Produce
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
Pantry Items
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Pour the olive oil into a pan and warm it over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the heated pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute, allowing their flavors to infuse the dish without burning.
- Cook vegetables and pineapple: Add the diced bell pepper and pineapple chunks to the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes so they soften slightly and meld with the chicken.
- Mix in sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture, stirring well to combine and coat all ingredients evenly.
- Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir thoroughly until the rice is heated through and absorbs the flavors of the sauce and other ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp finish.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture when reheating or cooking to avoid mushiness.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier option.
- Can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
- If preferred, low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce salt intake.
