Why make this recipe
Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a delicious dish that combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. It’s an easy meal to prepare and perfect for families or for meal prep throughout the week. The colorful mix of ingredients makes it visually appealing and fun to eat. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, which means less cleanup afterward!
How to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- Chicken (breasts or thighs)
- Pineapple chunks
- Rice
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions
- Pepper
- Salt
Directions:
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add rice and stir to combine, then pour in soy sauce and add pineapple chunks.
- Add water according to rice package instructions and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
How to serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Serve Pineapple Chicken and Rice hot on a plate or in a bowl. You can garnish it with additional green onions or even some cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to store Pineapple Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Add some veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a kick!
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works great! Just make sure to drain the juice before adding it to the dish.
What type of rice should I use?
You can use any type of rice you prefer, but jasmine or basmati rice gives the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat before serving.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken (breasts or thighs)
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks Canned or fresh
- 1 cup Rice Jasmine or basmati preferred
- 1 tblsp Soy sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tblsp Ginger Grated
- 2 tblsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tblsp Green onions Chopped, for garnish
- to taste Pepper
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add rice and stir to combine, then pour in soy sauce and add pineapple chunks.
- Add water according to rice package instructions and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.