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Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight: A Flavorful Island-Inspired Meal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 48 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Island-inspired / Fusion

Description

This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant, island-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks and a savory soy-honey glaze, served over fluffy rice. Perfectly balanced with ginger, garlic, and bell pepper, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in just 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice

  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Garnish (optional)

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy, then set it aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper has softened slightly.
  4. Make the Pineapple Sauce: Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly in the pineapple sauce.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken and pineapple mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice.
  • Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • The dish can be prepared dairy-free and is gluten-free if gluten-free soy sauce is used.