Embark on a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics right to your dinner table with this delightful Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe. This dish masterfully combines the succulence of boneless chicken breasts with the sweet tang of pineapple, all perfectly seasoned with thyme, and enhanced with the subtle sharpness of Dijon mustard and the sweetness of honey. Paired with fluffy rice, this recipe promises a balanced meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply add a new favorite to your meal rotation, this Tropical Pineapple Chicken and Rice will surely leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 and a half pounds of boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (20 oz.) sliced pineapple (juice reserved)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 servings of cooked rice
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Pineapple Sauce:
Drain the juice from the canned pineapple slices into a measuring cup. You’ll need about 1 cup of pineapple juice for the sauce. If you have less than 1 cup, you can top it off with water to reach the required amount.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little of the pineapple juice to create a slurry.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pineapple juice, cornstarch slurry, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic cloves. Stir well to combine.
Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Chicken and Pineapple:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the pineapple sauce.
Add the pineapple slices to the skillet, arranging them around the chicken. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the sauce and the pineapple slices are heated through.
Serve:
Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice. You can spoon extra sauce over the chicken and rice for added flavor.
This Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, ideal for a comforting dinner. Enjoy your cooking!