A simple summery 30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice. Quick-cooking chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy pineapple soy sauce marinade with pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Chili flakes are added for a slight spicy kick, but the coconut rice balances everything out. Serve this tropical pineapple chicken with plenty of fresh pineapple salsa and creamy avocado.
1 1/2poundsboneless skinless chicken breastscut into bite size pieces
1/3cuplow-sodium soy sauce
1/3cuppineapple juice
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
2tablespoonsketchup
1shallotchopped
4clovesgarlicchopped
1tablespoongrated ginger
1pinchred pepper flakes
2tablespoonssesame oilor extra virgin olive oil
1/4cupchopped cilantro
Pineapple Salsa:
2cupsfresh pineapple chunks
1/2small shallotfinely chopped
1jalapeñoseeded (if desired) and chopped
juice of 1 lime
2tablespoonsfresh thyme leaves
1avocadodiced
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Instructions
In a glass jar, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, shallots, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the chicken and let sit 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Meanwhile, make the salsa: combine all ingredients in bowl.
Heat the oil in a large skillet (I prefer cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, cook 5 minutes until cooked through on both sides. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining soy sauce mix. Cook until the sauce glazes the chicken and begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
Serve the chicken over rice and spoon the salsa over the chicken. Sprinkle on the diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Notes:
Coconut Rice: Combine 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk and 1/2 cup water in a medium pot. Bring to a low boil. Add 1 cup basmati rice and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, cover, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook 10 minutes on low, then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit, covered for another 15-20 minutes (don't take any peeks inside!). Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.