Oh boy, let me tell you about Pineapple Chicken Rice—it’s a flavor explosion that you just can’t resist! The sweet, juicy pineapple mingles beautifully with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. I love how the tropical sweetness balances the savory elements, making each bite a little piece of paradise. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up! In just about 35 minutes, you can have a delightful dinner on the table that feels like a special treat without any of the fuss. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this quick and tasty recipe!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Pineapple Chicken Rice
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Pineapple Chicken Rice! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll be savoring the deliciousness in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a pro in the kitchen!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large pan and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough so that when you add the veggies, they sizzle a bit! A good test? Just flick a drop of water into the pan—if it dances, you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Now, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3–5 minutes until they’re soft and the onion becomes a lovely translucent color. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen starts smelling fantastic! Keep stirring occasionally so they don’t stick to the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add that diced chicken to the pan. Cook it for about 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want to see a golden color, and the chicken should no longer be pink in the middle. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken!
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Soy Sauce
Now it’s time to add the star players—those juicy pineapple chunks and the soy sauce! Stir them in and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. This is where the magic happens; the flavors meld together, and you get that sweet-savory combo that’s just delightful!
Step 5: Mix in Cooked Rice
Once everything is bubbling nicely, it’s time to fold in the cooked rice. Make sure to break up any clumps so it mixes evenly. Stir everything together gently for another 3–5 minutes until the rice is heated through and nicely coated in that flavorful sauce. You’ll want every grain to soak up those delicious flavors!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s seasoning time! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last good mix. Then, scoop it onto plates while it’s hot. You can garnish with some chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor if you like. And there you have it—a vibrant, tasty Pineapple Chicken Rice ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that’s sure to impress.
- Healthy ingredients like chicken and pineapple make it a nutritious option.
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or leftover proteins.
Tips for Success
To make your Pineapple Chicken Rice truly shine, here are some handy tips! First off, make sure your chicken is diced evenly for consistent cooking—nobody likes unevenly cooked pieces! If you have leftover chicken, use it; just adjust the cooking time accordingly! Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still vibrant and crunchy. Also, when adding the rice, make sure it’s well heated and mixed in thoroughly to absorb all those wonderful flavors. Lastly, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking for a perfectly balanced dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for a serving of my delightful Pineapple Chicken Rice! These numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what you’re putting on your plate:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
So there you have it—a delicious meal that’s not just tasty but also packed with good stuff! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works great and adds a nice nutty flavor while also being a healthier choice. Just keep in mind it may require a bit more cooking time to get it tender.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for a different protein, shrimp or tofu can be fantastic alternatives! Just cook them until they’re done, and follow the same steps for a delicious twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
For sure! The combination of sweet pineapple and tender chicken is usually a hit with kids. You can even let them help with mixing in the ingredients for some fun kitchen bonding!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like snap peas, carrots, or even broccoli. Just remember to sauté them until they’re tender but still vibrant for that perfect crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this delicious Pineapple Chicken Rice (which I hope you do because it’s that good!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep those flavors intact. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or a tiny bit of soy sauce to bring back that moisture. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great alternative to this dish, you might also enjoy Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers.
Lastly, if you’re interested in the health benefits of pineapple, you can read more about it here.
Print
Pineapple Chicken Rice: 5 Simple Steps to Paradise
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious blend of chicken, pineapple, and rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
- Add diced chicken; cook until browned.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and soy sauce.
- Add cooked rice; mix well and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Serve hot.
- Garnish with green onions if desired.
- Can use leftover chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pineapple Chicken Rice