Description
This pineapple chicken and rice dish is a flavorful, one-pot meal that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tender rice. It’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or a family-friendly dinner. The recipe is simple, requiring only a few ingredients, and it’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy a tropical twist on your meals or are just looking for something new, this pineapple chicken and rice will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice in a medium pot according to the package instructions. If using brown rice, it will take longer to cook. Once done, set the rice aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the juices to combine with the chicken and onions. If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle in the honey at this stage.
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Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce. Stir to combine everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, then garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a Spicier Version: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few spoonfuls of chili sauce.
- For More Veggies: Add bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a keto-friendly option.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey or pineapple quantity to your taste for a more or less sweet flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Pineapple chicken and rice, Easy chicken dinner, One-pot meals, Tropical chicken recipes, Quick chicken dinner