sweet pineapple chicken rice is a dish that immediately transports me back to sun drenched afternoons and the comforting aroma of a home cooked meal. There is something truly magical about the way sweet pineapple chicken rice marries the vibrant sweetness of tropical fruit with savory chicken and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This recipe is more than just food; it is a warm hug on a plate, a memory maker, and an absolute delight I am thrilled to share with you today. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.
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Why You Will Love This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
You are going to adore this sweet pineapple chicken rice recipe for so many wonderful reasons. It is the epitome of comfort food, yet incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend pineapple chicken dinner—especially if you already enjoy fruity, savory meals like these pineapple chicken tacos.
The blend of juicy chicken, tender rice, and the bright burst of pineapple creates a flavor profile that is both exotic and deeply satisfying. This recipe stands out because it balances sweet and savory notes perfectly, ensuring every mouthful is a delightful surprise. It is simple enough for novice cooks but impressive enough to earn rave reviews from everyone at your table. This particular rendition of sweet pineapple chicken rice is my family’s absolute favorite, a dish we turn to whenever we need a little sunshine in our day.
Ingredients Needed for This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful sweet pineapple chicken rice. Fresh, quality components truly make a difference in the final taste.
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups cooked day old white rice (Jasmine or Basmati work wonderfully)
- 1.5 cups fresh pineapple, diced (about half a medium pineapple) or canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil, divided
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple, reserve juice; otherwise, store bought)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
How to Make This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Creating this sweet pineapple chicken rice is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these friendly step by step instructions for a perfect pineapple chicken dinner.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. In a separate very small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, and grated ginger to the same skillet. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Combine Rice and Pineapple: Add the cooked day old rice and diced pineapple to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, breaking up any clumps of rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the chicken and rice mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions, roasted cashews, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sweet pineapple chicken rice!
How to Serve This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Serving this sweet pineapple chicken rice is all about presenting its vibrant colors and inviting aromas. For an authentic touch, you can serve it directly in a hollowed out pineapple half, which makes for a stunning presentation for a special pineapple chicken dinner. Otherwise, simply scoop generous portions into individual bowls or plates. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note. Roasted cashews provide a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory chicken. This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans.
How to Store This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your sweet pineapple chicken rice leftovers safely. After the dish has cooled completely to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for longer storage. Place cooled sweet pineapple chicken rice in freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in a microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as above.
Tips to Make This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Achieving the perfect sweet pineapple chicken rice is easy with these helpful tips and tricks.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier texture. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets.
- Success Tips: Use day old rice! Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a sticky, mushy dish. Day old rice holds its texture much better in a stir fry.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking the chicken or sautéing the vegetables. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and proper cooking. Overcrowding steams ingredients instead of searing them.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: Taste your sauce before adding it to the skillet. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
Helpful Notes for This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Here are some extra clarifications and details to ensure your sweet pineapple chicken rice turns out fantastic every time.
- Ingredient Details: When using canned pineapple, always opt for pineapple in its own juice, not heavy syrup, to avoid excessive sweetness. Fresh ginger can be peeled easily with the back of a spoon before grating.
- Equipment Recommendations: A large nonstick skillet or a wok is ideal for this recipe, allowing all ingredients to cook evenly without sticking. A good sharp knife makes preparing your chicken and vegetables a breeze.
- Rice Type: While Jasmine rice is often preferred for its fragrant and slightly sticky texture, Basmati rice works wonderfully too, offering a more separate grain.
Variation of This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Explore new flavors with these creative variations of sweet pineapple chicken rice.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery pineapple chicken dinner experience.
- Shrimp or Pork: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, or use thinly sliced pork tenderloin for another savory option.
- Teriyaki Style: Replace half of the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a deeper, umami rich flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate thinly sliced carrots, green beans, or baby corn for added nutrition and texture. Stir fry them along with the bell peppers.
FAQs About This sweet pineapple chicken rice Recipe
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and firmer texture. Just make sure to cut it into bite sized pieces. If using fresh, you might need to use store bought pineapple juice for the sauce.
Q: Why is day old rice recommended for this sweet pineapple chicken rice?
A: Day old or leftover rice has had time to dry out, making it less sticky and prone to clumping when stir fried. This results in a much better texture for your sweet pineapple chicken rice.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce in advance for this pineapple chicken dinner?
A: Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients (excluding the cornstarch slurry) up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using. Prepare the cornstarch slurry right before you are ready to add it to the skillet.
Conclusion
This sweet pineapple chicken rice is the perfect blend of tropical sweetness and savory comfort, a dish that brings warmth, color, and joy to any table. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress, it is a recipe you will want to return to again and again.
If you love simple dinners, pineapple chicken recipes, and comforting meals with a twist, I invite you to visit my Pinterest. You will find easy dinner ideas, flavorful rice dishes, and everyday recipes designed to make cooking joyful and stress-free. Save your favorites and get inspired for your next meal.