Description
This Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and colorful dish combining tender, sesame-infused chicken with fresh vegetables, juicy pineapple, and fragrant rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup diced carrots (if frozen, thaw under warm water)
- 2 scallions, sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup peas (if frozen, thaw under warm water)
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
Rice & Seasoning
- 4 cups cooked long grain white rice (cold or room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with the sesame oil, then season well with salt and pepper. This will infuse the chicken with a nutty flavor and enhance its taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large sauté pan or wok over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 2 minutes, then add the chicken cubes. Stir continuously and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, ensuring it is no longer pink inside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Then add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 2 minutes. Next, add the diced carrots and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the carrots to soften slightly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sliced scallions, cooked rice, peas, and chopped pineapple. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Season and Serve: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice mixture, then stir well to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with additional scallions if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cold or room temperature rice to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
- If using frozen peas and carrots, thaw them under warm running water before adding to the pan.
- Leftover pineapple or fresh can be used depending on availability.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste if you prefer a less salty dish.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha when cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
