– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken and Rice:
1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Incorporate Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
5. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
6. Sweeten Up: Stir in the brown sugar and pineapple chunks, ensuring everything is well mixed in the pot.
7. Cook Rice: Cover the skillet and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Add Peppers: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the diced bell pepper to the pot. This will ensure they retain some crunch.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.