🍍🍗 Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Mediterranean-inspired, sweet-savory, light yet comforting
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Serves: 4–5
🧾 Ingredients
Chicken
500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, bite-size pieces
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
Rice & Vegetables
1½ cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in juice, drained)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ cup green peas (optional)
Mediterranean-Style Sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Season & Sear Chicken
Toss chicken with paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken until lightly golden (3–4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
Build the Base
Stir in rice and tomato paste; cook 1 minute to coat grains.
Add broth, honey, lemon juice, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer
Return chicken to the pot.
Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Add Pineapple
Stir in pineapple and peas.
Cover and cook another 5 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Rest & Serve
Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and garnish with herbs and seeds.
🌟 Serving Ideas
Pair with cucumber-tomato salad or steamed greens
Great as a one-pot family dinner or meal-prep dish
🥗 Nutrition Notes
Balanced sweet-savory flavors
Lean protein + complex carbs
Olive oil & herbs keep it Mediterranean-friendly
Naturally dairy-free
