Pineapple Chicken and Rice

This Chicken and Rice served in a Pineapple Shell is a fun, flavorful way to bring the tropics to your table. Featuring juicy pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and tender chicken, all cooked in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Served in a hollowed-out pineapple half, it’s perfect for summer dinners, dinner parties, or whenever you want something fresh and exciting.

The balance of sweet fruit and savory sauce over warm rice makes each bite satisfying and unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavor: Pineapple adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
2. Colorful & Fun Presentation: Served right in the pineapple for a festive look.
3. Versatile: Great with white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice.
4. Balanced Meal: Includes protein, veggies, and carbs all in one.
5. Easy to Customize: Add extra veggies, swap the sauce, or adjust the spice level.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken & Veggies:

1. Chicken Breast or Thighs: Bite-sized pieces, juicy and flavorful.
2. Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, sweet and juicy.
3. Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green for color and crunch.
4. Garlic & Ginger: Adds warmth and depth.
5. Onion: Savory base for the stir-fry.

For the Sauce:

1. Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: The salty, umami base.
2. Pineapple Juice: For added sweetness and tang.
3. Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: To brighten the flavor.
4. Honey or Brown Sugar: Optional, depending on your taste.
5. Cornstarch Slurry: To thicken the sauce.

For Serving:

1. Cooked White or Brown Rice
2. 1 Whole Pineapple (optional, for presentation)

Yield: Serves 2-3

Pineapple Chicken and Rice

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A tropical chicken and rice dish served in a pineapple shell with a sweet-savory sauce and colorful veggies.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 whole pineapple (cut in half and hollowed, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple Bowl (Optional): Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Hollow out one side using a knife and spoon, leaving a thick shell. Dice the removed fruit to use in the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a pan, cook diced chicken in oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers until softened. Add pineapple chunks and stir to combine.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar/lime juice, and honey. Pour over the vegetables. Add the chicken back to the pan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Spoon cooked rice into the pineapple shell or onto a plate. Top with the chicken and pineapple mixture. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

1. Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
2. Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
4. Time Saver: Use store-bought pineapple chunks and cooked rice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2-3

Serving Size:

2-3
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420Total Fat: 14gCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 4gProtein: 30g

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

In the Pineapple Shell: For a show-stopping presentation.

1. As a Bowl: Great for casual meals or lunch prep.
2. With a Side of Greens: Serve with a simple cucumber or cabbage salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping it up

This Chicken and Rice in a Pineapple Shell is a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something different. The combo of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and fresh veggies over rice makes it a meal that’s as tropical as it is tasty. Try it tonight for a fresh twist on dinner with a presentation that wows!