Aloha Chicken And Rice

When we think of Hawaii, we imagine warm island breezes, vibrant rainbows, and delectable food. While we may not always be able to hop on a plane to experience the first two, we can certainly bring the taste of the islands into our kitchen with this delightful recipe: Aloha Chicken and Rice. This dish perfectly balances savory, salty, and sweet flavors, making it a lively addition to any weeknight dinner. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can bring the spirit of aloha to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of quick and flavorful meals, this recipe is for you. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your dinner routine with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile. Plus, the colorful bell peppers and green onions add a beautiful presentation that makes the dish even more inviting.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Ingredients

• 1-1 ½ pound chicken tenders, diced into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups instant rice, uncooked
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
• 3-4 slices cooked bacon, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Add the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
3. In the prepared baking dish, combine the rice, chopped onion, bell pepper, pineapple chunks with juices, and chopped chicken pieces.
4. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the top of the ingredients in the baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, stir the ingredients together, and top with bacon pieces. Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Toss the mixture again before serving and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to dice the chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, do not skip the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Instant rice is key for this recipe; other types of rice may require adjustments to cooking time and liquid ratios.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a vegetarian twist, try substituting tofu for the chicken.
• Add a splash of lime juice before serving for an extra zing.
• Feel free to experiment with different colored bell peppers for a more vibrant dish.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact numbers can vary, this dish is generally high in protein due to the chicken and bacon, and provides a healthy dose of vitamin C from the bell peppers and pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but you might need to add a bit more liquid to the dish to compensate for the missing juices from the can.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

We invite you to bring a taste of the tropics into your kitchen with this Aloha Chicken and Rice recipe. It’s a delightful way to shake up your weeknight dinner routine and give your taste buds a mini vacation. We would love to hear about your experience with this dish, so don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you try. Happy cooking!