Description
30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice is a delightful dish that brings the tropics to your dinner table in just half an hour. This vibrant recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory pineapple sauce, served over creamy coconut rice. The combination of fresh ingredients and tropical flavors makes this meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded if desired and chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, basmati rice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice cooks, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped shallots and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in ginger and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute. Add chicken pieces; cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ketchup. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Add fresh pineapple chunks; stir well to coat everything in sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Fluff the coconut rice with a fork once done cooking. Serve chicken mixture over coconut rice. Top with cilantro, diced avocado, lime juice, jalapeno, thyme leaves, and finely chopped shallot as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg