Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and perfectly cooked rice, all coming together in a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's one of those healthy meals that's also incredibly delicious, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your ingredients. Chop the chicken, onion, and garlic. If using fresh pineapple, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Ensure your rice is cooked and cooled. This helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the wok and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the Rice and Flavor:
- Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until heated through.
- Push the rice to the side of the wok, creating a small well in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until cooked.
Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken and pineapple to the wok. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken and pineapple fried rice!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:
- Day-old rice is key: Using day-old rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
- High heat is your friend: Cooking the rice over medium-high heat helps to create a nice, slightly crispy texture.
- Don't overcook the rice: Once the rice is heated through and everything is well combined, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent it from becoming dry.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. Tofu would also be a delicious addition.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 10-15g
This Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create easily at home. It's quick, healthy, and flavorful – a perfect easy recipe for any busy weeknight. Enjoy!