Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs, sweet pineapple chunks, and fragrant jasmine rice cooked together with savory soy sauce and aromatic vegetables. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Produce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Condiments & Oils
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add aromatics. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Cook chicken. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is partially cooked.
- Add rice and liquids. Stir in jasmine rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil to initiate cooking the rice.
- Simmer covered. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and fluff. Remove from heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking. Then fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh or canned pineapple chunks works well; drain canned pineapple if excess juice is present.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding garlic and ginger.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- Serve with steamed greens or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the skillet used has a tight-fitting lid to properly simmer the rice.
