Description
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a sweet and savory dish that brings island flavors to your table. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and fresh pineapple come together in a deliciously tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun summer dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (chopped, any color)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice – In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and salt, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken – In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same pan, add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce – Mix the cornstarch with water and pour it into the sauce. Stir until thickened.
- Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Serve – Spoon the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro.
Notes
- Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
- Add coconut milk to the rice for extra tropical flavor.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped cashews for a crunchy texture.