Description
Sizzling pineapple chicken and rice brings tropical paradise right onto dinner plates. Sweet-tangy flavors mingle with juicy chicken, inviting hungry diners to savor each mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 cup (200 g) jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (125 ml) pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and thoroughly done, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked pieces to a separate plate, reserving for later incorporation.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté aromatic vegetables, introducing diced onions, colorful bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Introduce rinsed rice to the vegetable mixture, gently stirring to ensure each grain absorbs the savory foundation.
- Pour a combination of chicken broth, tangy pineapple juice, umami-rich soy sauce, optional honey for sweetness, and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat. Thoroughly blend all liquid components.
- Reintegrate the previously cooked chicken and vibrant pineapple chunks into the developing rice mixture, folding gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer for 18-20 minutes, enabling rice to become tender and liquid to absorb completely.
- After cooking, let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes to enhance flavor melding and texture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to create a light, airy consistency.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture and absorption of flavorful liquids in the one-pan meal.
- Consider using brown rice for a nutritional boost, but adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly to prevent dryness.
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version of this tropical-inspired dish, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg