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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice) - 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color works well) - 1/2 cup onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Optional garnishes like cilantro Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. The chicken thighs bring rich flavor and tender texture. Jasmine rice absorbs the sweetness of pineapple, while the vibrant bell pepper and onion add crunch. The garlic and ginger enhance the dish with warmth. Soy sauce provides umami, and spices balance the flavors. Top it off with fresh green onions for a pop of color and taste. Optional cilantro adds freshness and a lovely aroma. These ingredients make for a colorful, tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Watch for it to shimmer. 2. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Look for the onion to turn translucent. 3. Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Cook for another minute. Enjoy the fragrant aroma. 4. Add 1 pound of cut chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is browned and no longer pink. 5. Once the chicken is cooked, add 1 cup of rinsed jasmine rice. Mix it well with the chicken and veggies. 6. Pour in the reserved pineapple juice and add 1 3/4 cups of water along with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir until combined. 7. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once you see bubbles, cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender. 8. After cooking, gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks. Cover again and let it sit for 5 minutes. This warms the pineapple. 9. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. This step ensures balanced flavors. 10. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. They add a fresh crunch and color to your meal. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and faster. Cook the chicken until it is browned and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer if needed; the chicken should reach 165°F. For perfectly tender rice, rinse the jasmine rice well before cooking. Rinsing helps remove excess starch, which can make rice sticky. When you add the rice to the skillet, stir it well with the other ingredients. This ensures that the rice absorbs all the flavors. To adjust spice levels, consider adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you want a mild dish, skip them altogether. For a bit more heat, add a pinch or two. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh garlic, ginger, and veggies add brightness to your dish. If you can, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. It enhances the flavor and gives a nice texture. Serve your Pineapple Chicken & Rice Skillet in vibrant bowls. This showcases the colorful ingredients. A bright dish not only looks good but also makes the meal more inviting. For garnishes, slice green onions and sprinkle them on top. This adds a fresh crunch. You can also add a sprig of cilantro for extra color and freshness. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter flavor and a firmer texture. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal spice preference. Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together perfectly. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Simply sauté it until it turns pink. Tofu is an excellent choice for a vegetarian option. Choose firm tofu, press it, and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Cook until golden for great texture. You can also try different meats like pork or beef. Each will change the taste of the dish, making it unique. Want to change the rice? Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is higher in fiber. Just note that it may need more water and time to cook. Quinoa is gluten-free and cooks faster. You can also explore other grains like farro or barley. Each grain will bring its own special taste and texture. Feel free to add more spices or sauces to change the flavor. Try adding a touch of curry powder or chili sauce for heat. You can also mix in vegetables like broccoli or carrots. They add color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and bell pepper for the best results. This way, you can create a dish that fits your taste perfectly. To store leftover Pineapple Chicken & Rice Skillet, let it cool first. Then place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze this dish for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The dish can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. To reheat the Pineapple Chicken & Rice Skillet, the stovetop works best. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir it often for even heating. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Aim for about 2 to 3 minutes, checking for warmth. Enjoy your meal with the same great taste! Yes, you can use different types of rice. Jasmine rice is great for its fragrance and texture, but you can swap it out. Here are some options: - Brown rice: Use it for a healthier choice. It takes longer to cook, so add extra water and time. - Basmati rice: This rice adds a nutty flavor and cooks quickly. Rinse it well before use. - Quinoa: This grain is gluten-free and packs a protein punch. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Experiment with these options to find what you like best! This dish is not very spicy, but you can adjust the heat. The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild kick. If you prefer less spice, simply omit them. For a bit more heat, try these: - Add more red pepper flakes: Just a pinch can boost the heat. - Chili sauce: A spoonful mixed in can spice things up. - Fresh jalapeños: Slice them thin and stir them in for a fresh taste. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level! To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. Here are a few ideas: - Tofu: Cube firm tofu and sauté it until golden. It soaks up flavors well. - Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add protein and texture. Rinse and add them in with the rice. - Mushrooms: Use diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. Sauté them with the onions and peppers. To keep the flavors bold, use vegetable broth instead of water. Enjoy your veggie twist! This blog post covered a simple and tasty chicken dish with rice. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, jasmine rice, and fresh veggies. The step-by-step guide made cooking easy. Tips offered helpful cooking secrets, while variations let you customize your meal. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. In the end, this dish is flexible and fun. You can adjust flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe!

Pineapple Chicken & Rice Skillet Delight

A delicious and colorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, jasmine rice, and sweet pineapple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic.
  • Incorporate the chicken pieces into the skillet, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center.
  • Once the chicken is ready, add the rinsed jasmine rice to the skillet, stirring it in well to combine with the chicken and sautéed vegetables.
  • Pour in the reserved pineapple juice and add 1 3/4 cups of water along with the soy sauce. Stir everything together until fully combined.
  • Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • After the rice is cooked, gently fold in the pineapple chunks, cover again, and let sit for an additional 5 minutes to warm the pineapple through.
  • Fluff the rice mixture with a fork, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary to ensure balanced flavors.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and added color.

Notes

Serve in vibrant bowls and consider adding a sprig of cilantro for extra freshness.
Keyword chicken, easy, pineapple, rice, skillet