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
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy, then set it aside to keep warm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.