Description
Tropical flavors dance in this mouthwatering Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish, blending sweet and savory notes from island-inspired cuisine. Succulent chicken mingles with juicy pineapple chunks, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown and crispy edges develop, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Create a vibrant sauce by combining pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
- Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the tropical sauce. Allow to heat through for 2-3 minutes, ensuring flavors meld together.
- Plate the pineapple chicken over fluffy prepared rice, allowing the sauce to cascade over the protein and grains.
- Garnish with optional fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for added brightness and aromatic complexity.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken by pounding it to an even thickness before cooking for more consistent texture and faster, more uniform cooking.
- Marinate chicken in pineapple juice for 30 minutes prior to cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse tropical flavor throughout the meat.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or substituting with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for different spice preferences.
- Transform dish into a low-carb option by replacing rice with cauliflower rice or serving over zucchini noodles for a lighter meal alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg