Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 ½ cups chicken broth - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish When choosing chicken, look for fresh, high-quality breasts. They should feel firm and moist. For the rice, jasmine rice offers the best aroma and texture. Fresh pineapple gives a sweet and tangy flavor. Make sure it is ripe and fragrant. For the vegetables, always pick vibrant bell peppers and crisp onions. Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the dish's overall taste. If you can’t find jasmine rice, use basmati rice or even brown rice for a healthier option. For chicken broth, vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor. You can swap fresh pineapple for canned pineapple, but drain it well to avoid excess liquid. If you prefer a different protein, try shrimp or tofu. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the jasmine rice in cold water. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes. This will let the rice absorb the broth. When the rice is tender, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm while you cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for another minute. This will release their wonderful aromas, adding depth to your dish. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring well to coat the chicken and vegetables. Next, add in the diced pineapple. Gently mix everything together. Let the dish cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will heat through all the ingredients and blend the flavors perfectly. When ready to serve, place a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice on each plate. Top it off with the sweet and savory pineapple chicken mixture. For a final touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy your delicious dinner delight! To get fluffy jasmine rice, rinse it under cold water. This removes extra starch. Use a medium saucepan, and mix one cup of rice with one and a half cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This time allows the rice to absorb the broth. After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork for the best texture. Enhancing flavor makes this dish shine. Use fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger for a bright taste. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. This step adds depth to the meal. When you add soy sauce and honey, mix well. This combination brings a sweet and salty balance. Finally, toss in the fresh pineapple. It adds a tropical twist and brightens every bite. Using the right tools can make cooking easier. A medium saucepan works best for the rice. A large skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and veggies. Choose a sharp knife for easy chopping. A cutting board helps keep your workspace tidy. Lastly, having a fork to fluff the rice is essential. These tools will help you create a tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish with ease. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in soy sauce, honey, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant sweetness to the dish; canned pineapple can work in a pinch but may alter the texture. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Serve with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the dish before serving enhances the tropical flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make Pineapple Chicken and Rice even more fun. Try adding mango or papaya. These fruits add a sweet touch. You can also use coconut milk instead of chicken broth. This gives a creamy flavor. Consider adding cashews for a crunchy bite. The extra textures make each bite special. You can cook this dish in different ways. A slow cooker works great for busy days. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky taste. Another option is to bake it in the oven. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavors while being safe for diets. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Cook these the same way to soak up flavors. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. After enjoying Pineapple Chicken and Rice, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, place the food in an airtight container. Let it cool down before sealing the lid. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to save Pineapple Chicken and Rice for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the dish completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Press out as much air as you can. Label it with the date. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat your frozen Pineapple Chicken and Rice, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat it until it is hot all the way through. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Canned pineapple saves time and effort. It also adds a sweet touch to your dish. Just make sure to drain the juice before adding it. This helps keep the dish from getting too watery. Fresh pineapple gives a crunch and bright flavor, but canned works well, too. You can enjoy Pineapple Chicken and Rice with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. - A simple green salad offers freshness and balance. - Roasted sweet potatoes bring out the dish's sweetness. - Garlic bread is great for mopping up the sauce. Choose any of these sides to make your meal even better! To serve more people, just increase the ingredients. For every two extra servings, add: - 1 extra chicken breast - 1 cup of jasmine rice - 1 cup of chicken broth - ½ cup of diced pineapple - ½ red bell pepper - 1 small red onion - 1 clove of garlic - 1 tablespoon of soy sauce - ½ tablespoon of honey These changes keep the flavors balanced. Adjust seasoning as needed, too. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish! This blog post covered key elements for making Pineapple Chicken and Rice. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and expert tips. Quality matters when choosing ingredients. You can customize flavors and methods to fit your needs. Storing leftovers properly keeps your dish fresh. Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Now you have the tools to create a delicious meal anytime!$

Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring chicken, pineapple, and jasmine rice, perfect for a tropical-inspired meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Tropical

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
1.5 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 piece red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and honey, stirring to coat the chicken and vegetables. Add the diced pineapple and stir gently to combine everything. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
On a plate, layer a generous portion of the fluffy jasmine rice and top with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, easy, pineapple, rice, tropical