Pineapple Chicken Rice Dish (Printer-Friendly Version)

Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet pineapple combine in this easy, flavorful one-pan dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables and Fruits

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, drained)
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
07 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

→ Grains

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)

→ Liquids and Sauces

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
10 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (halal-certified)
11 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (halal-certified)
12 - 1 tbsp honey (optional)

→ Seasonings and Spices

13 - 1 tsp ground ginger
14 - 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
15 - Salt, to taste
16 - Black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent.
03 - Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to slightly toast and prevent burning.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (if using), ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Add diced red bell pepper, frozen peas or mixed vegetables (if using), and diced pineapple. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
07 - Verify rice tenderness; if undercooked, add a little broth or water, cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done.
08 - Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving to add vibrant color and fresh flavor.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For best flavor, use fresh pineapple; if using canned, drain thoroughly. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure chicken browns properly. Adjust honey and soy sauce levels to taste.
02 - Cooking on low heat after adding broth prevents rice from burning and allows flavors to meld beautifully.