Description
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant and flavorful island-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks and a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Cooked on the stovetop, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory umami, served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy, then set it aside while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly tender.
- Make the Pineapple Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Add Chicken Back to Skillet: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips, then return them to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the pineapple sauce, warming the chicken through.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and pineapple mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your tropical-inspired meal!
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work well too.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice for a healthier whole grain option; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Island-inspired, Tropical, Fusion
