Description
Delicious and colorful Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken combines savory ground chicken, scrambled eggs, fresh vegetables, and sweet pineapple chunks in a flavorful stir-fry. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and offers a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a hint of zesty lime and sesame oil.
Ingredients
Proteins and Eggs
- 3 large eggs, whisked with salt and pepper
- 8 oz. ground chicken
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp. freshly grated ginger or 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Other Ingredients
- 3-4 Tbsp. avocado oil
- 4 cups chilled day-old cooked rice
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. chili garlic sauce
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sesame oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Scramble the Eggs: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Pour in the whisked eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook while stirring until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set. Transfer the eggs to a plate and wipe the skillet clean if needed with a paper towel.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Add 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Add the ground chicken and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and shredded carrot to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice: Add the chilled day-old cooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to combine and to break up any clumps. Cook until the rice is heated through.
- Add Pineapple and Sauces: Stir in the drained pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Cook for about 30 seconds more to warm everything through. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir the scrambled eggs, chopped green onions, and cilantro into the rice mixture. Serve the pineapple fried rice hot, garnished with lime wedges and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
- Using day-old refrigerated rice helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy and sticking together.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh ginger can be substituted with ground ginger, but fresh will provide better flavor.
- If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken with shrimp or tofu for different proteins.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
