One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Creations
I love how this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and sweet pineapple creates a wonderful balance that excites my taste buds. It's a dish that brings the essence of a tropical getaway right to my kitchen. Plus, cooking everything in one pan saves me time on cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Let's dive into the recipe together and enjoy this easy yet delicious meal!
On a recent busy weeknight, I decided to whip up something quick yet satisfying. That's when One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple became my go-to recipe. The sweet and savory combination not only pleased my family but also left my kitchen smelling divine. I learned that the key to getting perfectly cooked rice is using the right ratio of liquid to rice, so I made sure to meticulously measure everything!
As I plated the dish, the vibrant colors of the pineapple and green onions added a fresh touch that was visually appealing. I’ve made this recipe numerous times, and I appreciate how adaptable it is. You can easily swap the pineapple for other fruits or add veggies based on what you have in the fridge. It's truly a flexible and delightful dish that I've come to love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory chicken paired with sweet pineapple for a unique flavor experience
- Cooked in one pan for easy cleanup
- A delightful blend of spices elevates the dish
- Perfect for busy weeknights or gathering friends and family
Ingredient Insights
The choice of jasmine rice in this recipe is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Jasmine rice is known for its slightly sticky nature and fragrant aroma, which complements the savory chicken and sweet pineapple beautifully. If you don't have jasmine rice on hand, you can substitute with basmati rice, but keep in mind that cooking times may need adjustment since basmati is less sticky and can require less liquid.
Using fresh pineapple can elevate this dish with an extra layer of sweetness and acidity. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks work just as well, but be sure to drain them properly to prevent excess moisture, which could make the rice soggy. The acid from the pineapple balances the richness of the chicken, creating a harmonious dish.
Cooking Techniques
When sautéing the chicken, make sure the skillet is sufficiently heated before adding it to the pan. This step helps create a golden brown crust on the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor. If the chicken sticks to the skillet, it may not be hot enough; adjust your heat level to maintain a medium-high setting for optimal searing without burning the surface.
After adding the rice and broth, it's crucial to bring the mixture to a gentle boil before incorporating the chicken. This step ensures that the rice begins cooking evenly. Once the chicken is added back, reducing the heat to low and covering the pan allows the flavors to meld and the steam to cook the rice thoroughly without drying out your chicken.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you'll be set to create this delicious dish!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bring your One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple to life.
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Rice and Broth
Stir in the jasmine rice, then pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add Chicken and Pineapple
Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the rice. Top with the drained pineapple chunks. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
Serve and Garnish
Once done, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy your delicious meal that's full of vibrant flavors!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, feel free to substitute other fruits like mango for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. If you freeze it, consider leaving out the green onions and sesame seeds, adding them fresh when you reheat.
To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. The pineapple will maintain its sweetness and complement the tender chicken, ensuring your meal still feels fresh even after storage.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the tropical flair of this dish, consider serving it with a side of simple cucumber salad drizzled with lime juice. This refreshing side can balance the richness of the chicken and rice while bringing an additional crunch to your plate. Alternatively, a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, adds color and nutrients to your meal.
If you want to elevate the visual appeal of this dish, serve it in individual bowls garnished with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Not only does this add color, but the acidity from the lime can further brighten the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and add a little more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients in advance and cook the dish when you're ready. It reheats well too.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
One Pan Chicken And Rice With Pineapple
I love how this One Pan Chicken and Rice with Pineapple transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and sweet pineapple creates a wonderful balance that excites my taste buds. It's a dish that brings the essence of a tropical getaway right to my kitchen. Plus, cooking everything in one pan saves me time on cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Let's dive into the recipe together and enjoy this easy yet delicious meal!
Created by: Ivy Richardson
Recipe Type: Comfort Kitchen Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the jasmine rice, then pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the rice. Top with the drained pineapple chunks. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
Once done, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Additionally, feel free to substitute other fruits like mango for a unique twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 27g