introduction
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a simple one-pan meal. It mixes sweet pineapple with savory chicken and rice. You cook it in one pot and have a warm, filling dinner fast. If you like sweet and savory combos, try a similar idea like chicken and waffle sliders for another fun meal.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and easy. It uses few ingredients and one pan. It feeds two to four people. The pineapple adds bright flavor and keeps the chicken moist. It is a good weeknight meal when you want something tasty with little work.
how to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Follow the steps below and cook the meal in one pan. Cook on medium heat and watch the rice so it does not burn.
Ingredients :
2 chicken breasts, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 bell pepper, chopped, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Salt and pepper to taste, Olive oil
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, bell pepper, pineapple chunks, and soy sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Serve it hot from the pan. Spoon onto plates and add a wedge of lime if you like. A side salad or steamed greens go well. You can top with chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds.
how to store Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Cool the dish to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave until warm. You can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Use day-old rice or rinse fresh rice before cooking to avoid stickiness.
- Cut chicken into pieces for faster cooking.
- Stir once or twice while simmering to stop rice from sticking.
- Taste before serving and add more soy sauce if you want more salt.
- Keep the heat low when the rice cooks so the liquid absorbs slowly.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced carrots or peas for more vegetables.
- Use brown rice, but add extra cooking time and more broth.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes. Thaw or add a little extra cooking time if frozen pieces cool the pot.
Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: You can, but follow the rice package for liquid and time. Instant rice needs less cooking time.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Cut into the thickest part. Meat should be white, with no pink. The juices should run clear.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Q: Is soy sauce needed?
A: It adds savory flavor. You can skip it or use tamari or coconut aminos for a different taste.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A simple one-pan meal combining sweet pineapple with savory chicken and rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, bell pepper, pineapple chunks, and soy sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg