Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of pineapple, the heartiness of chicken, and the comforting nature of rice. Many people have fond memories associated with this recipe, often shared during family dinners or festive gatherings. I remember the first time I tasted this recipe at a friend’s house. The aroma filled the room, and the bright colors of the dish caught my eye. The wonderful blend of flavors left a lasting impression on me. What makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice worth trying is how it combines sweet and savory elements to create a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s delicious, easy to prepare, and beloved by both kids and adults alike.
Why Make This Recipe
What truly makes Pineapple Chicken and Rice special is its blend of flavors and the ease of preparation. In just one pan, you can create a meal that is tasty, nutritious, and beautiful to look at. The sweet pineapple provides a bright contrast to the savory chicken and rice, creating a delightful taste sensation that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a comforting meal without putting in too much effort.
Family meals are a cherished time, and this recipe is excellent for bringing everyone together around the table. The vibrant colors and inviting smell will attract your loved ones as you serve it hot. Plus, you can customize it according to your family’s tastes. If you like a little kick, you can add chili flakes or some chopped jalapeños. Your family will certainly savor every bite, and you’ll build memories around this versatile recipe.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Making Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with enticing smells as it cooks. You start by sautéing the chicken until it gets a lovely golden-brown color. This step is essential because it seals in the juices of the chicken, making it tender and flavorful.
Then, you add the bell peppers, which become soft and aromatic as they cook. The sweet pineapple comes next, bringing brightness to the dish. The rice is added along with chicken broth and soy sauce, which helps to infuse rich flavors throughout the entire meal.
As everything simmers together, it creates a delightful melody of flavors and scents. You’ll find it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving! The finish results in a warm, colorful dish that looks and tastes incredible, perfect for serving straight from the pan.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
- Chicken breast is lean, providing protein while adding a juicy texture that is the base of this dish.
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- Pineapple brings a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the savory flavors and offering a unique tropical twist.
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1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- Bell pepper adds a pop of color and a crunchy texture. It also contributes essential vitamins.
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1 cup rice
- Rice is the backbone of this recipe, soaking up all the delicious flavors and providing a filling component to the meal.
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2 cups chicken broth
- Chicken broth adds depth and richness, infusing the rice and chicken with savory goodness.
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Soy sauce enhances the overall flavor, providing a salty contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
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Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt and pepper are essential for elevating all the other flavors in this recipe.
When considering substitutions, if you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a vegetarian alternative, you can replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid burning.
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Add the Bell Peppers: Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Stir them with the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell peppers are tender and fragrant.
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Stir in the Pineapple and Rice: Add the drained pineapple chunks to the skillet, mixing them well with the chicken and bell peppers. Next, add the cup of rice, stirring gently to combine everything.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the rice, chicken, and vegetables are evenly distributed.
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Bring to a Boil: Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps to cook the rice evenly and allows all the flavors to meld together.
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Simmer: Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Make sure not to lift the lid too often, as this lets out steam and will affect cooking time.
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Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check if the rice is cooked. The grains should be fluffy, and all the liquid should be absorbed. If it’s still a bit hard, cover and let it cook for an additional few minutes.
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Stir and Serve: Once done, give everything a good stir to mix all the delicious flavors. Serve it warm; the warm steam rising will be irresistible!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be a standalone meal or paired with different sides. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and the tropical pineapple makes it an excellent choice for summer gatherings too. You can serve it with a crispy green salad or some steamed broccoli to add a healthy touch.
For drinks, consider a refreshing lemonade or a glass of iced tea to complement the dish’s flavors. If you’re serving it during a family gathering or holiday, consider putting it on a big platter, garnishing it with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
How to Store Pineapple Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, don’t worry; storing Pineapple Chicken and Rice is simple! Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. You can place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing the leftovers. You can freeze it in a safe freezer container for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, it’s a good idea to portion the rice into single servings, making it easier to reheat later.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water to avoid drying out the rice and warm it over low heat.
Tips to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
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Prep Ahead: Take some time to chop the chicken and vegetables in advance. This makes cooking quicker and easier when you’re ready to eat.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two separate pans to avoid steaming the ingredients. You want that lovely golden brown color!
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Taste and Adjust: Always taste as you cook. Adjust salt, pepper, and soy sauce to match your desired flavor.
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Save Some for Later: If you’re planning for leftovers, store some sauce separately to keep the dish fresh when reheating.
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Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts like cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to try:
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Add Vegetables: Sneak in some additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
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Spice It Up: If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when cooking.
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Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit different dietary preferences. Just be aware that cooking times may vary.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Pineapple Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and store the chopped ingredients in the refrigerator. Just combine and cook when you’re ready for dinner.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat Pineapple Chicken and Rice is in the microwave, covered to trap moisture, or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
You can use other types of rice like brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking times as brown rice may take longer to cook.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant and enjoyable dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit with every age group. With all the tips and variations provided, you can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful experience of creating a meal that brings joy to the family table!
Print
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish combining the sweetness of pineapple with tender chicken and comforting rice, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in drained pineapple chunks, followed by rice.
- Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Check if rice is cooked; stir and serve warm.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken, Rice, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe, One-Pan Meal