Enjoy a taste of tropical flavors with Pineapple Chicken and Rice, a savory and sweet dish that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and aromatic rice in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, bringing a touch of island paradise to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple:
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until onions are translucent and peppers are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Cook the Rice:
- Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the rice and pineapple mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the tropical flavors of Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
