Pineapple Chicken Rice: A Delicious Tropical Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
This Pineapple Chicken Rice recipe offers a delightful tropical twist on a classic chicken and rice dish. Featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet pineapple, vibrant vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce, it’s a flavorful and colorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then combine with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Rest and Fluff Rice: Remove the rice from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add Pineapple: Gently fold in the diced pineapple and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and warm the pineapple.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a savory and slightly sweet sauce.
- Combine Sauce with Chicken Mixture: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Rice: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet and gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring the rice is well incorporated with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately, optionally with extra soy sauce or chili sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use jasmine rice as it complements the tropical flavors nicely.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used if desired.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce based on your salt preference.
- Fresh pineapple enhances the dish with natural sweetness; canned pineapple can be substituted but drain excess juice to avoid sogginess.
- Garnish with green onions to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- Serve with chili sauce if a spicy kick is desired.
Keywords: Pineapple chicken rice, tropical chicken recipe, Asian chicken and rice, sweet and savory chicken dish, jasmine rice chicken
