Hey there, busy moms! If you are looking for a quick dinner idea that your whole family will enjoy, look no further than pineapple chicken and rice. This delicious dish brings together tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice in one simple skillet meal. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something comforting and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Pineapple chicken and rice stands out for several reasons. First, it comes together quickly, making it a great option for families on the go. You can prepare it in around 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax after a busy day. The ingredients are also straightforward, meaning minimal prep and cleanup—perfect for the mom who wants to keep things easy.
Kids love the sweet and savory combination, making it a hit at the dinner table. Plus, you can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. This dish truly simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice, mixing everything together until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
Pineapple Chicken and Rice
A quick and easy skillet meal featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice, mixing everything together until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
You can serve pineapple chicken and rice as is or alongside a simple green salad for some extra crunch. This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or even crusty bread. To make it exciting for the kids, let them help with garnishing the dish with green onions. It adds a pop of color and lets them take part in the meal preparation.
How to Store
Leftovers are a breeze to store. You can keep any extra pineapple chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture. It’s just as tasty the second time around!
Tips and Variations
Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have in your fridge. Snow peas, carrots, or broccoli can all be great additions. You can also use cooked chicken to save time or swap the rice for quinoa if you prefer a healthier option. For a little kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce. Making it your own is part of the fun!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken or veggies?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken or vegetables. Just make sure to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through.
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. What can I serve with pineapple chicken and rice?
This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh salads or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Pineapple chicken and rice is an easy, flavorful dish that your family will love. It’s perfect for a busy night or any time you crave something comforting and delicious. Give it a try, and don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you need a quick meal idea. Happy cooking!
