Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? My One-Pan Pineapple Chicken & Rice recipe is perfect for you! This dish combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fragrant jasmine rice, all cooked in one pan. It's simple, flavorful, and ready in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious meal that your family will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple One-Pan Meal: This recipe combines everything in one pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of pineapple paired with savory chicken creates a delightful taste experience.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
- Quick Cooking Time: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
When I create this One-Pan Pineapple Chicken & Rice, I focus on fresh, bright flavors. First, I love using chicken breasts for their lean protein. Dicing them makes cooking quick and easy. Rinsing the jasmine rice removes excess starch, giving a fluffy texture.
Next, I add vibrant vegetables. Fresh pineapple adds sweetness that pairs well with savory notes. I also use a red bell pepper for a pop of color and crunch. Finely chopping the onion ensures it cooks evenly and adds depth.
For seasonings, I rely on simple yet bold flavors. Garlic and ginger work together to create a warm base. Soy sauce and honey balance the flavors, while sesame oil gives a nutty finish. I always adjust salt and pepper to taste, and fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness when I serve it.
This careful blend of ingredients transforms a simple meal into something special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Chicken
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts to the pan.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown.
Adding Pineapple
- Stir in 1 cup of diced pineapple, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Mix well and let it cook for 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
Incorporating Rice
- Add 1 cup of rinsed jasmine rice to the pan.
- Stir all ingredients together until evenly combined.
Pouring in Broth
- Carefully pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth.
- Mix gently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmering and Fluffing
- Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
- Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- After cooking, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Garnishing for Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro on top. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Best Cooking Practices
To ensure tender chicken, always cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown on the outside. This adds flavor and color.
For perfect rice texture, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. This removes extra starch, which can make the rice gummy. Always use the right amount of broth. The rice should absorb all the liquid for the best results.
Flavor Enhancements
For added flavor, consider using herbs like parsley or cilantro. These fresh herbs brighten up the dish. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Marinating the chicken can enhance the taste even more. Use soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a few hours before cooking. This will add depth and richness to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed veggies for balance. A fresh cucumber salad works well to cut through the sweetness.
For presentation, add fresh cilantro on top before serving. This not only looks great but adds a burst of flavor. Serve in bowls for a cozy feel, or on plates for a more formal look.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. The sweetness and acidity of fresh pineapple enhance the dish significantly.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice that doesn't clump together.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add more honey or even a splash of orange juice to balance the flavors nicely.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up slightly.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. If you choose shrimp, cook for about 3-5 minutes until it turns pink. Tofu is another great option. Use firm tofu and cook it for about 8-10 minutes until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty and fun.
Different Rice Options
You can also try brown rice or basmati rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add an extra half cup of broth and increase the cooking time to about 30 minutes. Basmati rice cooks quicker than jasmine rice, so reduce the broth to 1 ¼ cups and keep an eye on the cooking time, around 12-15 minutes.
Vegetables to Include
Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Try peas, carrots, or broccoli for color and nutrition. If you have seasonal veggies, feel free to swap them in. Zucchini or bell peppers can work well too. These small changes let you enjoy new flavors every time you make this dish.
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage
Store your One-Pan Pineapple Chicken & Rice in an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and air. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing Tips
To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Guidelines
For the best taste, reheat your chicken and rice on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts and stir in between. This way, you keep the texture nice and fluffy.
FAQs
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth as a great alternative. It adds a nice flavor. If you want low-sodium options, make your own broth with water and herbs. Just simmer veggies like carrots, onions, and celery for about 30 minutes. This gives you a tasty base without the salt.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well. Canned pineapple is sweet and can save time. However, fresh pineapple gives a brighter taste. If you want the best flavor, go for fresh when you can.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
This dish takes about 40 minutes total. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking takes about 25 minutes. This includes sautéing, simmering, and letting the rice cook. It’s a quick and easy meal for busy nights.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Divide it into containers for easy lunches. To reheat, just microwave until warm. This makes it a convenient option for your week.
This dish combines chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables for a tasty meal. You learned how to sauté aromatics, cook the chicken, and blend in pineapple and rice. Tips on storage and cooking variations added helpful insights too.
Incorporate your favorite flavors and enjoy this dish your way. Easy to prepare and delicious, it’s perfect for meal prep. Try it out, and you’ll see how simple cooking can be!
