Description
Savor Hawaii’s beloved Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors dancing across your plate. Bold ingredients and quick preparation make this tropical dish a perfect weeknight meal that transports you to island paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
Base Grains:
- 4 cups cooked brown or white rice
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 cups cubed pineapple
- 1 small lime
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
Garnish:
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces with seasoning, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10-15 minutes while preparing other components.
- Pat chicken dry to ensure optimal browning and prevent excess moisture.
- Preheat large skillet to medium heat, adding coconut oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
- Sear chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and tenderness.
- Utilize the same skillet to build layered flavors, melting remaining coconut oil.
- Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, developing a sweet aromatic base.
- Introduce bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger, creating a vibrant and fragrant mixture.
- Deglaze pan with soy sauce, incorporating caramelized remnants for deeper taste profile.
- Combine cooked rice, honey, diced pineapple, and reserved chicken, integrating all ingredients harmoniously.
- Reduce heat, allowing ingredients to meld together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate frozen peas and fresh lime juice during final cooking moments for brightness and color.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain hot and flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Marinate chicken with salt beforehand to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing proteins to break down for more juicy meat.
- Pat chicken dry completely to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing in the pan.
- Use day-old cold rice for better texture, preventing mushy fried rice and helping grains separate perfectly during cooking.
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use tamari for gluten-free option, coconut aminos for soy-free version, or tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17-22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg