This delicious and flavorful pineapple glazed chicken rice bowl recipe is the perfect healthy and satisfying meal. Packed with protein, veggies, and a mouthwatering pineapple glaze, it’s sure to become a new favorite dish!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a vibrant bowl filled with succulent chicken, sweet and tangy pineapple chunks, and fluffy white rice. This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl is a culinary masterpiece that brings the tropics’ flavors to your dinner table. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
A Family-Friendly Feast
This recipe is a winner for families with picky eaters. The combination of familiar ingredients like chicken and rice with the exotic sweetness of pineapple is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Plus, the colorful presentation of this dish makes it visually appealing, enticing everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Budget-Friendly Bliss
Eating delicious meals shouldn’t break the bank, and this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl is proof of that. With affordable ingredients like chicken tenderloins, canned pineapple juice, and frozen bell peppers, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune. It’s a budget-friendly way to treat your family to a taste of the extraordinary.
Quick and Easy Preparation
We understand that weeknights can be hectic, leaving you with little time to spend in the kitchen. That’s why this recipe is designed to be quick and easy to prepare. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content
One of the best things about this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences.
- Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Go nuts: Toast some sesame seeds or chopped cashews and sprinkle them over the top for a delightful crunch.
- Veggie delight: Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl. Broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrots would all be delicious additions.
- Protein power: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, mint, or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or hoisin sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it a wrap: For a fun twist, serve the chicken and pineapple mixture in tortillas or lettuce wraps.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Substitutions for this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Sauce swap: If you don’t have all the ingredients for the pineapple glaze, you can use a store-bought teriyaki sauce or a combination of soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice.
- Protein power: While chicken tenderloins are the star of this dish, you can easily substitute them with boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast, ground pork, or even shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Rice variety: Instead of white rice, try using brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Veggie variations: The frozen bell peppers can be replaced with any vegetables you like. Broccoli florets, red onion, snap peas, carrots, or even a stir-fry mix would all work well.
- Spice it up or down: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to control the heat level. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder for extra spice.
- Sweetener options: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite combinations!
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add an even more vibrant flavor to the dish. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and use it in place of the canned pineapple.
If you don’t have chicken tenderloins on hand, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the pineapple glaze and chicken separately ahead of time. Simply reheat the glaze and chicken before assembling the bowls.
Similar Recipes
If you like easy week night recipes like this Pineapple and Chicken Rice Bowl recipe, you will enjoy the ones below:
- 15 Minute Stir Fried Rice Recipe
- Homemade Hibachi Chicken Recipe
- 30 Minute Beef Ramen Stir Fry
- Asian Beef Vegetable Bowl
Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a tropical paradise with this Pineapple Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe. It’s a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Glaze:
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small scallion, chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 c. pineapple juice
- 1 c. light brown sugar
- 1 c. fresh pineapple, chopped
- 3 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 c. water
- 12 oz. frozen mixed bell peppers
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
For the Chicken:
- 16 oz. chicken tenderloin strips, diced
- 1/4 c. pineapple juice
- 2 c. flour
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- Canola oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Garnish: fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
- Add the chopped scallions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the frozen bell peppers and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes
- Pour in 2 1/2 cups pineapple juice and add 1 cup light brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the chopped fresh pineapple, soy sauce, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Mix 3 tsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the diced chicken tenderloin with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
3. Heat 3-4 cups of canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, add to the thickened pineapple sauce.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Place a serving of cooked white rice in each bowl.
- Spoon the chicken pineapple glaze with bell peppers over the rice.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
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