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Quick Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice

Quick Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice
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Quick Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice is a vibrant tropical dish combining juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and creamy coconut-infused jasmine rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful meal brings island-inspired flavors right to your plate, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun dinner change-up.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Grains

  • 1 cup jasmine rice

Dairy & Alternatives

  • 1 cup coconut milk (full fat preferred)

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Oils & Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coconut Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine rice with coconut milk and 1 cup water in a pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and fluffy, about 15-18 minutes.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, heat olive or coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving drippings in skillet.
  3. Make the Pineapple Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and diced red bell pepper until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and a splash of water or chicken broth. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pineapple sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over the warm coconut rice.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for best natural sweetness and texture.
  • Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent gummy texture and keep it light.
  • If sauce is too thin, simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
  • Cut ingredients uniformly for even cooking and good presentation.
  • Prep vegetables and sauce ahead of time to save cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple chicken, coconut rice, tropical chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/quick-pineapple-chicken-with-coconut-rice/