Pineapple Chicken And Rice
A vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful peppers served over rice, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 4 bone-in skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup prepared sweet and sour sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained and reserve juice ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked regular rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chicken breasts and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from skillet.
- Add chicken broth, sweet and sour sauce, pineapple juice, and rice to the skillet; blend well.
- Bring to a boil. Add chicken breasts, meaty side down.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed, chicken is fork-tender, and juices run clear.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Add chopped green bell peppers, red bell peppers, chopped green onions, and pineapple tidbits to the rice mixture.
- Cook an additional 5 minutes or until peppers are crisp-tender.
- Spoon rice mixture onto a platter; top with chicken breasts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute brown rice for regular rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Consider adding vegetables like peas or carrots to enhance the dish. If you want a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad or steamed vegetables. A light cucumber salad can complement the sweet and savory flavors of the Pineapple Chicken and Rice well. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside Tim And Mary'S Oriental Morral Stir-Fry or a bowl of Chinese Cabbage Soup for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chicken And Rice contains roughly 427 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. They will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
What can I do if my rice is too mushy?
If your rice turns out mushy, it may be due to excess liquid or overcooking. Next time, reduce the amount of liquid slightly and keep an eye on the cooking time. Alternatively, you can use the mushy rice as a filling for stuffed peppers or added to soups.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of sriracha into the rice mixture. You can also top the dish with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving for a burst of spice.
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).