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When we think of Hawaii, we imagine warm island breezes, vibrant rainbows, and of course, delicious food. While we can’t always escape to the islands, we can certainly bring a taste of Hawaii to our kitchens with the delightful Aloha Chicken and Rice recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of salty, savory, and sweet flavors that will elevate any weekday dinner. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a quick way to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please everyone in the family.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1-1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 ½ cups instant rice, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 can pineapple pieces
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- 3-4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the rice, diced onion, bell pepper, pineapple chunks with juice, and chopped chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the ingredients, sprinkle with chopped bacon, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Stir again before serving and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips for Success
Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, don’t hesitate to add the red pepper flakes. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to substitute the bell pepper with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, for added nutrition. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can omit it or replace it with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is a well-rounded meal with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. The use of low sodium soy sauce helps to keep the sodium content in check, while the pineapple adds a natural sweetness without refined sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, just be sure to add a bit of extra pineapple juice or water to compensate for the liquid from the can.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed.
Conclusion
Our Aloha Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of the islands to your home. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. We invite you to give it a try and share your experiences with us. Enjoy your culinary escape to paradise!
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