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Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

A delightful and flavorful Pineapple Chicken Rice recipe combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and sweet pineapple for a tropical twist on a classic one-pan meal. Perfectly seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey, this dish is easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)

Rice and Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal-certified)

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its aroma into the dish.
  3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, toasting it slightly for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking or burning, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the oil and chicken.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir well to evenly distribute the liquids and spices through the rice and chicken mixture.
  5. Incorporate Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, and pineapple pieces. Stir everything together so the pineapple’s sweetness is evenly spread throughout the dish.
  6. Simmer the Dish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this period to keep the steam trapped inside.
  7. Check and Adjust Cooking: After simmering, check if the rice is fully cooked. If it’s still firm, add a bit more chicken broth or water, cover again, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to complete the cooking process.
  8. Fluff and Season: Once the rice and chicken are cooked through, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve the Pineapple Chicken Rice warm as a hearty main dish.

Notes

  • For extra fragrance, jasmine rice can be used instead of long-grain white rice.
  • Using fresh pineapple adds better texture, but canned pineapple (drained) works fine as a substitute.
  • Honey is optional; it balances the tanginess of pineapple with added sweetness.
  • Ground cumin is optional and adds warm, earthy notes if preferred.
  • To keep the dish halal, use halal-certified chicken and soy sauce.
  • This recipe can be adapted by substituting vegetables based on seasonal availability.
  • Cover the skillet properly during simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken rice, tropical chicken rice, one-pan chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner, pineapple and rice dish

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/pineapple-chicken-rice-recipe/