Description
Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken and Rice delivers tropical flavors that dance across palates with island-inspired charm. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice blend into a quick weeknight dinner that transports diners to sunny Pacific shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ red bell pepper
- ½ green bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Select your preferred rice variety – jasmine or basmati – and prepare according to package guidelines, ensuring fluffy and fragrant grains that will serve as the perfect base for the tropical chicken dish.
- Dice fresh pineapple into uniform cubes, creating a vibrant and juicy component that will infuse sweetness throughout the meal.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, trimming any excess fat to promote even cooking and optimal texture.
- Season chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, massaging the spices to ensure thorough coverage and deep flavor penetration.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to reach an ideal searing heat.
- Sauté the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining tender interior meat.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm to preserve its temperature and moisture.
- In the same skillet, introduce diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become slightly translucent and develop a gentle caramelization.
- Add pineapple chunks to the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine and allow natural sugars to release and mingle with the savory components.
- Incorporate a smooth sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and a touch of ginger, creating a glossy and flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage with the vibrant sauce and allowing flavors to meld together.
- Serve the aromatic chicken and pineapple mixture atop the prepared rice, garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness.
Notes
- Opt for long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for a fragrant base that complements the sweet and tangy chicken.
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
- Consider using a rice cooker for consistently perfect texture and hands-off preparation.
- Add a pinch of salt to the rice water to enhance its natural flavor and make the dish more aromatic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg