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Tropical Pineapple Chicken & Rice Delight


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant, flavorful dish combining fragrant coconut-infused basmati rice with sweet and tangy pineapple chicken. Loaded with colorful bell peppers and a hint of spice, this tropical meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner that transports you to island vibes.


Ingredients

Scale

Coconut Rice

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon coconut butter

  • 10 g desiccated coconut

  • 200 g basmati rice

  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk

  • 200 ml water

  • Salt, to taste

  • Juice and zest of half a lime

Pineapple Chicken

  • 425 g canned pineapple chunks in juice

  • 50 ml water

  • 25 ml soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

  • Chili flakes, to taste

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon rum

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 celery stick, sliced

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch


Instructions

For the Coconut Rice:

  1. Heat coconut butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

  2. Stir in the desiccated coconut and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.

  3. Add the basmati rice and stir to coat the grains.

  4. Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt to taste.

  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

  6. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and zest. Keep covered until ready to serve.

For the Pineapple Chicken:

 

  1. In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks with juice, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and rum. Mix well.

  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  4. In the same pan, sauté the sliced bell peppers and celery until tender-crisp.

  5. Pour the pineapple sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.

  6. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Add slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened.

  7. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Heat through.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.

For extra depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or lime juice to the rice.

This dish pairs well with steamed greens or a fresh salad.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion