Chicken & Pineapple Fried Rice

Maybe it's the inner Queenslander in me, but everything is more fun with pineapple in it and fried rice is certainly no exception to that rule. Salty and sweet, this chicken & pineapple fried rice is perfect for meal prep!

What's in it?

Pineapple Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice

500g Chicken Breast

1 small tin pineapple pieces

1 carrot, diced

1 spring onion, diced

1 red onion, diced

3 tsp crushed garlic

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp Mingle sweet chilli sauce

1 tbsp ginger powder

Let's Cook!

Dice the chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish. Heat a separate pan over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked through, which typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest while you prepare the rest of the ingredients for your fried rice.

Next, take a variety of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, and green onions, and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also ensures that each bite is packed with flavour. In the same pan that you used for the chicken, add a generous amount of olive oil along with minced garlic to infuse the oil with its aromatic flavour. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the diced vegetables to the pan. Stir them frequently, allowing them to cook down and soften, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. As the vegetables begin to lose their crispness, start adding in the sauces: pour in soy sauce for its salty umami flavour, fish sauce for a depth of savoury richness, and sweet chilli sauce to introduce a delightful hint of sweetness and spice. To enhance the flavour profile even further, sprinkle in some ginger powder, which will add a warm, aromatic quality to the mix.

After incorporating the sauces, add chunks of fresh pineapple to the pan. The pineapple will not only contribute a refreshing sweetness but also a juicy texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the mixture becomes fragrant, signalling that the flavours are melding together nicely.

At this point, it's time to introduce the cooked rice into the pan. Make sure to use day-old rice if possible, as it tends to hold its shape better and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Stir the rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats each grain, which will enhance the overall flavour of the dish. Toss everything together for a few minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and absorb the delicious flavours from the pan.

Finally, gently fold in the previously cooked chicken breast, mixing it thoroughly with the rice and vegetables to ensure that every bite contains a bit of chicken. Allow the dish to cook for an additional minute or two, letting the flavours meld together even more. Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve your delicious fried rice. Transfer it to a large serving dish or individual plates, garnishing with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy the delightful medley of flavours and textures in this satisfying meal!

Per Serving: 388kcal - 36C, 8F, 42P