Island Chicken And Rice
Island Chicken and Rice combines tender chicken with sweet peaches, crunchy almonds, and vibrant vegetables, creating a flavorful, tropical-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 16 oz. can sliced peaches in fruit juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked brown rice or white rice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with pepper and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- In a large skillet, cook chicken and onions in oil until lightly browned.
- Blend reserved peach juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and remaining cornstarch, then add to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring until the mixture is clear and thickened.
- Add peaches, green pepper, and tomato; simmer for 5 minutes or until the green pepper is tender-crisp.
- Serve over hot cooked rice and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. You can substitute the peaches with canned pineapple for a tropical twist. If you prefer a bit more heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Consider pairing this dish with a fresh cucumber salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Island Chicken and Rice dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Creole for a flavorful dinner spread or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1100 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (180% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook them directly from frozen, but increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for the almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use almonds, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping. Alternatively, you could simply omit them for a nut-free version.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Island Chicken and Rice dish is great for meal prep. Assemble it in individual containers and refrigerate. It reheats well, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).