Are you looking for a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors? This pineapple chicken and rice recipe is the answer! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy pineapple sauce and served over fluffy rice—with vibrant pineapple chunks adding a tropical twist. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and entertaining guests. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 400 calories, 25g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. This is based on one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until browned.
- Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks and cook until heated through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fluff the rice and serve it on plates, topped with the chicken and pineapple mixture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your tropical pineapple chicken and rice dish!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can substitute it with basmati or brown rice. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a light soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the rice may become mushy upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Do not skip marinating the chicken, as it enhances the flavor.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked before serving.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish by modifying honey to your taste.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice before serving.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best taste; canned can be too sweet.
- Experiment with different vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it may require slightly less cooking time to avoid dryness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to increase the heat.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant texture, but basmati works well too.
Conclusion
This pineapple chicken and rice recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to make and full of tropical goodness, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round with this vibrant dish!
Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until browned.
- Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks and cook until heated through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fluff the rice and serve it on plates, topped with the chicken and pineapple mixture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your tropical pineapple chicken and rice dish!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
