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Easy Pineapple Chicken & Rice Recipe

Pineapple Chicken and Rice
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Easy Pineapple Chicken & Rice Feast! Flavorful, quick-to-make, and satisfying. Try this delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 fresh pineapple, diced (reserving 0.5 cup for garnish)
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce, divided
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 0.5 cup coconut milk (optional, for cooking rice)
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 lime wedges
  • 0.25 cup cashews (optional)

Instructions

  • Pat boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then cut them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade: a quarter cup of soy sauce, two tablespoons of rice vinegar, a tablespoon of brown sugar, one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, and two minced garlic cloves. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let this marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  • While the chicken marinates, dice one fresh pineapple, reserving about half a cup for garnish. Thinly slice one bell pepper and one small onion.
  • Cook your white rice according to package directions, optionally substituting half of the water with coconut milk for an added tropical aroma and creaminess.
  • Once the rice is cooking, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, a splash of sesame oil, and two tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will thicken our beautiful sauce.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken, discarding any excess marinade. Sear the chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared glaze and stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Finely chop a generous handful of fresh cilantro and thinly slice two green onions, using both the white and green parts. In a small, dry skillet, lightly toast a tablespoon or two of sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Have red chili flakes (if using), fresh lime wedges, cashews (if using), and the reserved fresh pineapple chunks ready.
  • Spoon a generous portion of the fluffy, aromatic rice onto each serving plate. Artfully arrange the glossy, golden-brown chicken and caramelized pineapple mixture over the rice. Drizzle plenty of that irresistible, savory-sweet glaze. Generously sprinkle the dish with fresh cilantro, vibrant green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Arrange a few of the reserved fresh pineapple chunks, cashews, and a lime wedge next to it.

Notes

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this incredible Pineapple Chicken and Rice! This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, featuring juicy, tender chicken bathed in a vibrant, tangy pineapple glaze, served alongside fluffy, aromatic rice infused with subtle tropical notes. Each bite offers a delightful dance of textures – the moist chicken, the soft rice, and the occasional burst of sweet pineapple. It’s truly a sunshine-on-a-plate kind of meal, promising to brighten any day and satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/pineapple-chicken-rice-feast/