If you're in the mood for a dish that combines the savory goodness of tender chicken, the sweetness of juicy pineapple, and the satisfying crunch of cashews, then look no further! Our Cashew Chicken and Pineapple Rice is not just a meal; it's a delightful culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Chinese cuisine. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant, colorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. Ready to tantalize your palate and elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping bell pepper, and slicing green onions.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Add diced chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces evenly to ensure proper browning. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns golden and is cooked through with no pink centers.
- Add diced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to retain slight crispness.
- Incorporate pineapple chunks into the chicken mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly and warm the fruit.
- Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat all ingredients thoroughly and create a glossy, savory coating.
- Add cashews to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute to lightly toast and integrate into the dish.
- Serve hot chicken mixture over pre-cooked rice, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions.
- Optionally, drizzle additional soy sauce for enhanced flavor before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your ingredients ahead of time. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything cooks evenly.
- High Heat: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the meat juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming, which can happen if the pan is too crowded.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you a brighter, more vibrant taste.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to suit your taste.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. If you let it sit too long, the rice may become soggy.
- Garnish for Flair: Don't forget to sprinkle some extra green onions on top before serving for a pop of color and added flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
