Description
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is a sweet and savory one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and flavorful rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s quick, easy, and full of tropical-inspired flavors!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
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For the Rice:
- 1 cup (200 g) jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
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For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Cook the Rice:
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (if using), and chili flakes. Stir well.
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Add the Pineapple and Chicken:
- Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Fluff and Serve:
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp or pork for the chicken for a different variation.
- Add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.