Description
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant, island-inspired meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfectly balanced with savory soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and colorful bell peppers, this dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the tropics in just 35 minutes.
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 & Condiments
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked. Set aside to keep warm while preparing the chicken and sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and 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 for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened.
- Prepare Pineapple Sauce: Add pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly with the pineapple sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for a flavorful tropical meal.
Notes
- You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- Adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to customize sweetness and saltiness to taste.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and ginger.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
