Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a vibrant dish that brings the essence of tropical flavor into your kitchen. This delightful combination of juicy pineapple and tender chicken, seasoned with thyme and cooked to perfection, offers a balance of sweet and savory that tantalizes the taste buds. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, each bite is infused with the rich, tangy sauce made from Dijon mustard, honey, and the natural juices of the pineapple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Vibrant and visually appealing dish
- Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion
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
Directions:
- Season chicken breasts with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken in vegetable oil.
- Drain the pineapple slices, reserving the juice for the sauce.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 oz. of the reserved pineapple juice in a small bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Add the Dijon mixture to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture again, then add it to the skillet. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and flip to coat in the 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 chicken and pineapple over cooked rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Recipe Tips:
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Pineapple Chicken and Rice with this easy-to-follow recipe!”