PINEAPPLE CHICKEN AND RICE BEST

Craving a dish that bursts with sweet and savory flavors, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise? Imagine tender chicken pieces, juicy pineapple chunks, and perfectly cooked rice, all bathed in a delightful sweet and tangy sauce. This Pineapple Chicken And Rice recipe is your ticket to an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that you can whip up any night of the week – and I promise, it’s going to be a new family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated

For the Pineapple and Veggies:

• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice for sauce)
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat!)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated for maximum flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Tangy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in your sauce.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Remember, it will thicken a bit more as it cools.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Pineapple

1. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
2. Stir in the drained pineapple chunks and the cooked chicken. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple are evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
3. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Pineapple Chicken and Rice over a bed of cooked rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Enjoy your homemade tropical feast!

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Pineapple Chicken And Rice Perfection

Marinating Magic

Want to take your chicken to the next level? Marinate it! You can marinate the chicken in a portion of the sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours in the refrigerator) before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor and make it extra tender.

Rice Right

The type of rice you use can make a difference. I personally love using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the Pineapple Chicken And Rice perfectly. Brown rice is also a great, healthier option. Just make sure your rice is cooked perfectly – nobody likes mushy rice!

Spice it Up (or Down!)

This recipe is very adaptable. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with sriracha. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Veggie Variety

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Carrots, broccoli florets, or snap peas would all be delicious additions to this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Thickening Troubles

If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, you can add a slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to the sauce while it’s simmering. Stir well and cook for another minute or two until it thickens up.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken:

For a richer, sweeter flavor, try using brown sugar in both the sauce and to caramelize the chicken. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:

If you’re short on time, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the rice) in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving over rice.

Pineapple Chicken Rice:

Want to make it even easier? Combine the cooked chicken, sauce, pineapple, and vegetables with the cooked rice in a large bowl and toss everything together. This is a great way to create a one-pot meal!

Pineapple Chicken Rice Bake:

Turn it into a casserole! Mix everything together and bake it for a warm and comforting meal.

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake:

For an easy cleanup, try a sheet pan version. Toss the chicken and veggies with the sauce and bake on a sheet pan.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: Luau Recipe:

Another great way to use your slow cooker for this recipe. Perfect for parties!

Why I Love This Pineapple Chicken And Rice Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is one of my go-to meals for a reason! It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and tender rice is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or sauces. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked rice, making it a budget-friendly option too.

But beyond the practicality, I love this recipe because it brings a little bit of sunshine to my dinner table. The bright flavors and vibrant colors always make me feel like I’m on a mini-vacation, even on the busiest weeknights.

Final Thoughts: Go Make Some Deliciousness!

So, there you have it – my tried-and-true Pineapple Chicken And Rice recipe! I hope you give it a try and discover just how easy and delicious it is. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!