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Chicken And Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

A savory blend of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables stir-fried with rice, infused with soy sauce for a tropical twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

• 4 tsp coconut oil, divided
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 cup pineapple, chopped (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cup cooked brown rice (and cooled)
• 1.5 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 2 tbsp raw cashews (more to taste)
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (plus more as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
   Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, pour in the beaten eggs. Allow them to cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 2 minutes until they’re just set and still slightly soft. This gives them a silky texture. Once they’re cooked to your liking, slide them out of the skillet onto a plate and keep them nearby; we’ll come back to them later.

2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
   Returning to the skillet, pour in the remaining 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. When it’s nice and hot, toss in the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. These aromatics should sizzle gently, cooking for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant and just beginning to soften. Next, add the chopped pineapple, diced red bell pepper, and the frozen peas and carrots. Let these cook together for a good 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to catch that moment when the pineapple starts to caramelize, giving everything a lovely sweetness.

3. Step 3: Combine and Crisp the Rice
   Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooled brown rice, chopped chicken, and raw cashews to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly so that the ingredients are well combined, then flatten the mixture with the back of your spoon, pressing it against the skillet’s bottom. This little trick helps the rice to develop a delightful crispiness. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. If you’re a fan of extra-crispy bits, feel free to repeat this step until you reach your desired level of crunch.

4. Step 4: Add Eggs and Season
   Finally, reintroduce those scrambled eggs to the skillet, gently folding them into the rice mixture. Add 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, stirring to evenly distribute the savory flavor. Taste your creation and adjust with an extra splash of soy sauce if you feel it needs a bit more seasoning. And there you have it, a delightful dish ready to enjoy!

Notes

Cooking mishaps can sneak up on even the most seasoned cooks, especially with a delightful dish like Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice. One common hiccup is using warm rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump, making it tricky to achieve that perfect, separated grain texture. Always let your rice cool down before tossing it into the skillet.

Another pitfall? Overcooking the eggs. The secret is quick, gentle scrambling, just until they're set. Overcooked eggs can turn rubbery, stealing the spotlight from other vibrant flavors.

Lastly, be cautious with your soy sauce. Everyone's salt preference varies, so it’s wise to start small and taste as you go. And remember, canned pineapple works wonders, but if you have fresh, it will elevate the dish with a hint of extra sweetness and texture. Enjoy your culinary adventure with a sprinkle of love and patience!