Easy Oriental Entree
A flavorful and easy-to-make Oriental-inspired entrée featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with vibrant vegetables and rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak chicken breasts overnight in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 cup oil. Drain before using.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, combine crushed pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, water, oriental vegetables, sugar, and cider vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook the soaked chicken in a skillet until fully cooked and browned.
- Serve the chicken over rice topped with the pineapple sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for longer than overnight. You can substitute the crushed pineapple with diced mango for a tropical twist. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can work well in this recipe. You can also use Pictsweet Stir-Fry for your vegetables to save prep time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside fried rice or a side of spring rolls. Drizzle extra soy sauce over the top for added flavor, and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Serve over freshly cooked rice for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Oriental Entree contains roughly 447 calories, with 8g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. It's best to plan ahead and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
What types of vegetables can I use in this recipe?
You can use any combination of vegetables you enjoy. While the recipe calls for Oriental vegetables, feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn. For a quicker option, consider using a frozen stir-fry vegetable mix like Pictsweet Stir-Fry.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce. You can also use Spicy Stir-Fry Shrimp for a flavorful protein twist that brings additional spice to the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).