Name: Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice. It’s a tropical-inspired meal that brings a burst of flavor in every bite, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal prep option. The mix of savory chicken with the sweetness of pineapple creates an unforgettable fusion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 cup jasmine rice

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, I cook the jasmine rice with 2 cups of water according to the package instructions. Once the rice is ready, I set it aside.

While the rice is cooking, I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, I add the diced chicken, season it with salt, pepper, turmeric, and ginger, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.

Next, I add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.

I then stir in the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and honey, cooking for 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the pineapple to warm through.

Once the rice is ready, I fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the chicken and pineapple mixture. I stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

Finally, I remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add veggies: I like to add some bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra crunch and nutrition. You can toss them into the skillet along with the chicken for a colorful twist.

Spicy kick: If I want a bit of heat, I’ll sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños when I sauté the chicken.

Use coconut rice: For an even more tropical flavor, I sometimes swap the jasmine rice for coconut rice, which complements the pineapple perfectly.

Grilled chicken: Instead of pan-searing the chicken, I can grill it for a smoky flavor before adding it to the pineapple mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps well and the flavors develop even more with time.

Reheating: To reheat, I microwave it in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, or I can warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

If I want to add a spicy kick, I can sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dish or add diced jalapeños when I cook the chicken. Adjust the amount to suit my spice tolerance.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, I can substitute brown rice for jasmine rice. However, I’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure to follow the package instructions for brown rice.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

I can absolutely use frozen pineapple! I would just need to thaw it before adding it to the skillet to make sure it doesn’t release too much water into the dish.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, I can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein. I would follow the same directions for cooking, but I’d sauté the tofu or chickpeas until crispy and golden.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping. I can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ll just need to reheat it before serving.

Conclusion

This Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight is a wonderfully vibrant and easy-to-make dish that’s full of tropical flavors. It combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and aromatic jasmine rice, creating a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for a quick dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is always a go-to favorite. The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations, making it perfect for all tastes and dietary preferences.

Recipe:

Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.