Description
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight offers a vibrant island-inspired meal combining juicy chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks and a savory sauce. Paired with fluffy rice, this quick and easy skillet recipe balances flavors of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and honey for a satisfying and colorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Grains
- 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 & Sauces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and bell pepper: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the pepper starts to soften.
- 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 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the tangy pineapple sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top it with the pineapple chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, if desired, to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, use brown rice instead of white rice.
- If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple chunks packed in juice work well.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
