Description
Indulge in a culinary journey to the tropics with our Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish seamlessly blends the sweetness of juicy pineapple with tender chicken, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress with its delectable combination of savory and sweet elements.
Ingredients
- 1 and a half pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple (juice reserved)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 servings of cooked rice
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Drain the sliced pineapple, reserving the juice for the sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 oz. of the reserved pineapple juice and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic to create the flavorful sauce.
- Add the Dijon mixture to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Once the sauce has simmered, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture again, then add it to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens, approximately 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the luscious sauce.
- Arrange the pineapple slices around and on top of the chicken in the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pineapple through.
- Serve the succulent chicken and pineapple over a bed of cooked rice, allowing the flavors to mingle for a perfect bite every time.
Notes
- Garnish and Presentation: Before serving, consider garnishing your Pineapple Chicken and Rice with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Pairing Suggestions: Complement the tropical flavors of this dish with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. For a complete meal, add a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a refreshing fruit salad.
- Leftover Magic: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Pineapple Chicken and Rice reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. To maintain the texture and flavors, consider reheating the chicken and pineapple separately from the rice.
- Creative Remix: Transform leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice into flavorful wraps or sandwiches by shredding the chicken and stuffing it into tortillas or sandwich bread along with some fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce. Alternatively, chop up the chicken and pineapple to create a delicious topping for homemade pizzas or a filling for savory quesadillas.
- Freezing Option: If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, ensure they’re completely cooled before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy the flavors at their best.
- Reinventing Leftovers: Turn leftover Pineapple Chicken and Rice into a flavorful fried rice dish by sautéing it with some additional vegetables, cooked rice, and a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy meal makeover breathes new life into your leftovers while minimizing food waste.
