Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice Simple Dinner Recipe

Looking for a delicious and simple dinner idea? Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice is your answer! This dish is a quick way to enjoy bright flavors in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a meal that delights your taste buds. I’ll walk you through the recipe, tips, and variations. Get ready to impress your family with this tasty dinner!

Ingredients

Full Recipe Overview

To make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. This dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fresh vegetables, all served over jasmine rice. The mix creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet tastes.

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups jasmine rice

– 4 cups chicken broth

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

– 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

– 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

– Sesame seeds (for garnish)

– Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools Required

You will need a few kitchen tools for this recipe:

– Medium-sized pot for cooking rice

– Large skillet or wok for cooking chicken and vegetables

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Cutting board and knife for chopping

– Mixing bowl for sauce

– Fork for fluffing rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Rice

First, we need to cook the rice. Using a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add in the jasmine rice. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all the liquid and become tender. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes to let it steam. This step makes the rice fluffy and perfect.

Preparing the Chicken

While the rice cooks, we can prepare the chicken. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked.

Next, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute. This brings out their lovely aromas and flavors.

Combining Ingredients

Now, let’s combine everything! Add diced red bell pepper and sugar snap peas to the skillet with the chicken. Stir the mixture and cook for an extra 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the veggies just a bit while keeping them crunchy.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and diced pineapple in a small bowl. Pour this tasty sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well so everything gets coated. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together.

Finally, fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Add the rice to the skillet, mixing it gently with the chicken and veggies. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Now, your Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice is ready to serve! Enjoy this vibrant meal that is easy and quick to make. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Chicken Cook

To cook perfect chicken, start with even-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking. Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F. This keeps it safe and juicy.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

To boost the flavors, use fresh ginger and garlic. Their bright taste makes a big difference. Adding soy sauce and honey creates a sweet and savory balance. For a twist, try adding a splash of lime juice. It adds a zesty kick. Also, let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. This step is key to making your dish pop.

Recommended Garnishes

Garnishing adds beauty and flavor. Use sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds add a nice touch too. For a tropical vibe, add more diced pineapple on top. You can also squeeze lime over the dish before serving. This simple step brightens the overall taste. To impress guests, serve it in deep bowls. Add extra pineapple around the edges for a colorful look. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe].

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice vegetarian. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use the same spices and cooking steps. Tofu absorbs flavors well. It adds protein and texture. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli or carrots. This keeps the dish colorful and tasty.

Spicy Version

If you like heat, add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños. Mix them in with the garlic and ginger. This will boost the flavor and give it a kick. You can also use sriracha in the sauce for extra spice. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Alternative Grain Suggestions

Not a fan of jasmine rice? Try quinoa or brown rice instead. Quinoa is high in protein and cooks fast. Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and is more filling. Both options work great with the sweet and savory sauce of the dish. Just follow the cooking instructions based on the grain you choose.

To explore the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

After enjoying your Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, cool any leftovers. Place the dish in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe to eat. Always make sure the dish is at room temperature before sealing it.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, microwave the dish in a bowl. Use medium power for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to a pan. Heat it over medium until warm, stirring gently. This keeps the rice moist and tasty.

Freezing the Dish

You can freeze Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the methods mentioned above for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Brown rice needs more water and takes longer to cook. Use about 4 cups of water for 2 cups of brown rice. Cook it for about 40 to 45 minutes. This rice adds a nice, nutty flavor and extra fiber.

How long does Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice last in the fridge?

Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat later.

What can I substitute for sugar snap peas?

If you can’t find sugar snap peas, try using snow peas or green beans. Both have a similar crunch and taste great in this dish. You can also add broccoli florets for a different texture. Just cook them until they are tender but still crispy.

This blog post shared a clear recipe for Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice. I outlined the ingredients, tools, and a step-by-step guide. You learned tips to cook chicken perfectly and add flavor. I also suggested variations for spice and vegetarian preferences.

In the end, this dish is flexible and easy to make. Enjoy it fresh or store leftovers for later. Happy cooking!

To make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. This dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fresh vegetables, all served over jasmine rice. The mix creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet tastes. - 2 cups jasmine rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, minced - 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste You will need a few kitchen tools for this recipe: - Medium-sized pot for cooking rice - Large skillet or wok for cooking chicken and vegetables - Measuring cups and spoons - Cutting board and knife for chopping - Mixing bowl for sauce - Fork for fluffing rice First, we need to cook the rice. Using a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add in the jasmine rice. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all the liquid and become tender. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes to let it steam. This step makes the rice fluffy and perfect. While the rice cooks, we can prepare the chicken. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked. Next, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute. This brings out their lovely aromas and flavors. Now, let’s combine everything! Add diced red bell pepper and sugar snap peas to the skillet with the chicken. Stir the mixture and cook for an extra 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the veggies just a bit while keeping them crunchy. For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and diced pineapple in a small bowl. Pour this tasty sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well so everything gets coated. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together. Finally, fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Add the rice to the skillet, mixing it gently with the chicken and veggies. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Now, your Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice is ready to serve! Enjoy this vibrant meal that is easy and quick to make. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To cook perfect chicken, start with even-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking. Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F. This keeps it safe and juicy. To boost the flavors, use fresh ginger and garlic. Their bright taste makes a big difference. Adding soy sauce and honey creates a sweet and savory balance. For a twist, try adding a splash of lime juice. It adds a zesty kick. Also, let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. This step is key to making your dish pop. Garnishing adds beauty and flavor. Use sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds add a nice touch too. For a tropical vibe, add more diced pineapple on top. You can also squeeze lime over the dish before serving. This simple step brightens the overall taste. To impress guests, serve it in deep bowls. Add extra pineapple around the edges for a colorful look. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can easily make Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice vegetarian. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use the same spices and cooking steps. Tofu absorbs flavors well. It adds protein and texture. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli or carrots. This keeps the dish colorful and tasty. If you like heat, add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños. Mix them in with the garlic and ginger. This will boost the flavor and give it a kick. You can also use sriracha in the sauce for extra spice. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Not a fan of jasmine rice? Try quinoa or brown rice instead. Quinoa is high in protein and cooks fast. Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and is more filling. Both options work great with the sweet and savory sauce of the dish. Just follow the cooking instructions based on the grain you choose. To explore the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. After enjoying your Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice, cool any leftovers. Place the dish in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe to eat. Always make sure the dish is at room temperature before sealing it. To reheat, microwave the dish in a bowl. Use medium power for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to a pan. Heat it over medium until warm, stirring gently. This keeps the rice moist and tasty. You can freeze Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the methods mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Brown rice needs more water and takes longer to cook. Use about 4 cups of water for 2 cups of brown rice. Cook it for about 40 to 45 minutes. This rice adds a nice, nutty flavor and extra fiber. Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat later. If you can't find sugar snap peas, try using snow peas or green beans. Both have a similar crunch and taste great in this dish. You can also add broccoli florets for a different texture. Just cook them until they are tender but still crispy. This blog post shared a clear recipe for Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice. I outlined the ingredients, tools, and a step-by-step guide. You learned tips to cook chicken perfectly and add flavor. I also suggested variations for spice and vegetarian preferences. In the end, this dish is flexible and easy to make. Enjoy it fresh or store leftovers for later. Happy cooking!

Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try this Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice recipe! It's packed with vibrant flavors and simple ingredients like tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crunchy veggies all served over jasmine rice. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare and will surely impress your family. Click through to discover the full recipe, tips, and delicious variations you can make!

Ingredients
  

2 cups jasmine rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple, drained)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, minced

3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice: In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a rapid boil. Once boiling, stir in the jasmine rice. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit—covered—for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the heated skillet, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

      Add Aromatics: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic and ginger become fragrant.

        Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and sugar snap peas to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while maintaining their crispiness.

          Create the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, and diced pineapple. Mix well and pour this delightful sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is coated in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

            Combine Everything: Fluff the jasmine rice with a fork to separate the grains. Carefully add the fluffy rice directly to the skillet, mixing it gently with the chicken and vegetables to achieve a uniform distribution of ingredients.

              Serve: Portion the Sweet Pineapple Chicken & Rice into individual bowls or plates. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in deep bowls, adding extra pineapple pieces around the edges for a tropical touch, and finish with a light drizzle of honey over the top for added sweetness and visual allure.

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