Description
Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight tantalizes taste buds with Hawaiian-inspired flavors, blending sweet and savory notes. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fluffy rice create a quick island-style meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for extra tropical flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by combining it with soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Allow the marinade to infuse for a brief period, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan, creating a golden exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Cook until thoroughly done, rotating occasionally to prevent burning.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage of preparation.
- In the same skillet, introduce fresh pineapple chunks, minced garlic, and finely grated ginger. Sauté briefly to release aromatic flavors and create a fragrant base for the tropical sauce.
- Blend pineapple juice, additional soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha into the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly, allowing them to meld and create a vibrant, tangy sauce.
- Reduce heat and gently simmer the sauce, incorporating a cornstarch slurry to achieve a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency that will perfectly coat the chicken.
- Reunite the cooked chicken with the tropical sauce, ensuring each piece is generously glazed and heated through.
- Present the dish atop fluffy jasmine rice prepared with rich coconut milk for an extra layer of tropical indulgence.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, crispy coconut flakes, and a zesty lime wedge for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Marinate chicken ahead of time for deeper flavor infusion, allowing spices to penetrate meat thoroughly.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing sriracha sauce to match personal heat preferences.
- Choose low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version without compromising taste profile.
- Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs interchangeably depending on preferred meat texture and fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg