Chicken Pineapple and Rice

This Chicken Pineapple and Rice has tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and supple veggies in a savory sauce. It’s a cozy and comforting rice bowl perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

I’m not a huge outdoor adventure kind of person. Growing up, my family camped every summer. We did it the old-fashioned way: pitched a tent, cooked by fire or propane, weathered through downpours, the whole nine yards. We camped in the woods, down by the seashore, in the plains, and up the mountains. I was never fond of it and still am not. I don’t like germs, and I don’t like creepy crawlies.

So I wonder why I like to watch survival shows—but not just any. I love Bear Gryll’s old series, Man vs. Wild, where he got dropped into the wild (rain forests, deserts, mountain tops, and more) to demonstrate survival skills. In his current show, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, he takes a celebrity along on a 2-day journey through various terrains while teaching his partner hands-on skills. All the while, Bear encourages his partners to overcome their fears. I find the show inspiring.

Perhaps on some level, I’m hoping some of the techniques and tips will come in handy in the future. Who knows? I might get stuck on a desolate part of the highway while going to the shopping mall one day. But no worries! I’ll know that I can harvest cattails from the side of the road and use the fluffy inside of the head as a tinder to start a fire to keep warm if my car runs out of gas. No lie, I have a flint at all times in my car. And I can eat the roots of the plants to keep me nourished while I wait for AAA to come to the rescue!?  Keep this tip in mind. It might come in handy for you someday, even if it’s just for trivia on game night. (teehee!)

I also like the living off-the-grid shows, specifically Alaska the Last Frontier and Alaskan Bush People. These shows chronicle families who live WAAAAY outside of civilization, who build their own homes, farm the land, keep livestock, and hunt for their existence. I never wish to find myself in any of the situations those people get in, but I find their lifestyle fascinating!

Speaking of nights, this Chicken Pineapple and Rice is perfect for any night of the week when a stress-free dinner is in order. The tender chicken and veggies, coupled with the sweetness of the pineapple, bring lightness to the dish. The sauce is gingery, with saltiness from soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar. It is a perfect complement to the lighter chicken and pineapple component. Served with rice, this meal is simple goodness!

Enjoy the rest of your week! 

Recommended supplies:

These are products I use, or on my wishlist, or are highly rated. (Amazon affiliate links)

• 12-inch skillet—this is nonstick and comes with a glass lid, which is needed for this recipe. It’s also 100% APEO & PFOA-Free.
• A rice cooker makes cooking rice a breeze. It’s a great alternative to the stovetop method. I have an old rice cooker that gets used all the time.
• A mandoline to shred carrots if you don’t have pre-shredded.

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Chicken Pineapple and Rice

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Stovetop Cooked Cuisine:Asian Inspired Courses:Main Dish Recipe Keys: Quick Meals L Low Fat

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings:4 Servings

Description

This Chicken Pineapple and Rice has tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and supple veggies in a savory sauce. It’s a cozy and comforting rice bowl perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 – 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into small 3/4-inch chunks
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 1/2 heaping cups onion slices, 1/4-inch thick
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped 
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slice or chunks, juice drained and reserve 1/2 cup*
• 1 cup scallion cut into 1-inch strips, greens only
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil  

For the Rice:

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 3 cups water

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice from above
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. To cook the rice: boil water in a medium saucepan. Once boiled, reduce heat to just slightly above low. Immediately add rice. Stir for 30 seconds. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Shut off the heat. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
2. While the rice cooks, prep the rest of the meal. Drain pineapple and reserve 1/2 cup of juice for the sauce. If using sliced pineapple, cut into chunks. 
3. In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk until combined and set aside.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Preheat a large 12-inch skillet on medium heat. Add oil. Add chicken in a single layer.  Cook for 3 minutes to brown. Turn pieces over and cook for 3 additional minutes or until chicken is opaque throughout. Remove chicken to a platter. They may not be completely cooked through at this point.
5. Drain any excess liquid, leaving 2 tablespoons in the skillet. If there is no liquid, add 2 tablespoons of water. Add carrots in an even layer. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in ginger, garlic, and onion. Cover and cook for 2 additional minutes. Do not let garlic burn.
6. Whisk the sauce mixture. Add to skillet and stir until bubbly and slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet, submerging it into the sauce. Top with drained pineapple and scallion. Cover and simmer for 7-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice.

Note:

• *Drain pineapple juice. Reserve half a cup for the sauce. Discard the remaining or save it for other uses.

Keywords:Chicken Pineapple, Rice Bowl, Easy Weeknight Meal

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