Okay, friends, gather ’round! Because I’m about to spill the beans on my absolute go-to recipe for those crazy busy weeknights: a delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe for a quick dinner! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there, and it’s always a winner, even with the picky eaters in my crew (that’s my kids, haha!). I am an experienced cook with more than 20 years of experience, and I’ve cooked for friends and families and even professional gigs!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Listen, if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for easy peasy recipes, right? This delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is the answer to your weeknight prayers! I’m talking:
- Ready in under an hour?!
- One pan = less cleanup (hallelujah!)
- Super flavorful – sweet, savory, and totally satisfying.
- Chicken and rice that the whole family will eat?! Yes, please!
Seriously, it’s a total game changer. You’ll be making this on repeat, I promise!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business! You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, which is a total win. You’ll need some chicken (obviously!), plus onion, bell pepper, and a can of pineapple chunks. Don’t throw away that pineapple juice! We’ll use it for the sauce. Then, grab chicken broth, rice, soy sauce, a little cornstarch, and some salt and pepper. That’s it! Easy peasy.
How to Make the Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe Step-by-Step
Okay, so here’s the fun part – actually COOKING this magic! Don’t worry, it’s seriously straightforward. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ve totally got this! Just follow along, and I’ll walk you through it. And remember, cooking should be fun. Don’t stress, just enjoy the process!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
First things first: let’s prep those ingredients. I like to start by cutting my chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so. Season those chicken chunks generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! My mom always said, “Season your food like you love it!”. Next, chop up your onion and bell pepper. I usually go with whatever color bell pepper I have on hand – they all taste delicious! Then, we’re ready to get cooking!
Cooking the Rice and Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Careful, it splatters! Make sure to stir it around so it cooks evenly. Once the chicken’s browned, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook those for a few minutes until they soften up a bit. Now, add in the drained pineapple chunks, chicken broth, and rice. Bring it all to a boil, then turn the heat down low, cover it, and let it simmer until the rice is perfectly cooked. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
Making the Pineapple Sauce
While that rice and chicken are simmering away, it’s time to whip up that amazing pineapple sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice you saved (don’t throw it out!) with some soy sauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch. This is what’s going to make our sauce nice and thick! Once the rice is cooked, pour this sauce into the pan and let it cook for a minute or two until it thickens up. And that’s it! You’re done!
Tips for Success with the Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Okay, friends, let’s make sure this dish is *chef’s kiss* perfect every single time. Honestly, a couple of little tweaks can seriously elevate this easy delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice. First, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re browning the chicken. Cook it in batches if you need to, so it gets that nice, yummy sear. Also, don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. And finally, when you add the sauce, let it bubble for a MINUTE or two to thicken properly – nobody wants a runny sauce!
And one last thing: feel free to sneak a few extra veggies in there, like some sliced carrots or snap peas. It’s an easy way to sneak some extra nutrients in without changing the yummy taste we all love!
Variations on the Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Oh, you wanna get fancy? Totally get it! This delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is super adaptable. Want some extra veggies? Totally add them! Mushrooms, broccoli, water chestnuts… the world is your oyster! Sometimes I swap out the chicken for shrimp — SO good!
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try a splash of coconut aminos instead of the soy sauce. And for a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes is always welcome! Don’t let my recipe hold you back; have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice
So, you’ve got this amazing delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Yay! But what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty much a meal in itself, but I always love a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Or, try some steamed broccoli or green beans.
If you have some extra time, try some homemade egg rolls or potstickers. A side of crispy wonton strips adds texture and crunch. You can’t go wrong!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Okay, so let’s talk leftovers, because, let’s be real, this delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice is even better the next day! (I’m guilty of making extra just for leftovers, shhh!).
Just let the food cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll stay good in there for about 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!). To reheat, you can microwave it, warm it up in a skillet, or even pop it in the oven. I always add a tiny splash of chicken broth when reheating, to keep it nice and moist. Delicious all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice
I know, I know…you probably have questions, right? Totally normal! Especially when a recipe is this good. So, here are some of the most common questions I get about this delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Hope this helps you out!
Can I use frozen pineapple chunks?
Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the pan. You might want to adjust the cooking time slightly, but it’ll still come out amazing.
What kind of rice should I use?
I usually use long-grain white rice for this delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe, but you can definitely experiment! Brown rice will work, but it takes longer to cook. You might need to add a bit more broth and increase the cooking time. Jasmine rice would be totally delicious too!
Can I add other proteins?
Definitely! Want to use shrimp, or shredded pork? Go for it!Just make sure they are cooked through before beginning the next steps.
Also, tofu is a great option for vegetarians!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You betcha! This delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice is actually a fantastic make-ahead meal. Follow all the instructions and then just add the cooked dish to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, then you can reheat the portions as you desire!
Estimated Nutritional Information for the Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
Okay, here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting, nutrition-wise, but remember, things can vary depending on what brands you use, and how you adjust the recipe. Keep in mind:
*Nutritional information is approximate and can vary.
Enjoy Your Delicious Pineapple Chicken and Rice!
Alright, folks! That’s it! Now go get cooking, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you (and if the kids love it as much as mine do!). Happy cooking!
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 3 dozen 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp cookies with white chocolate and peppermint.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: white chocolate cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, festive baking