Craving a flavorful dinner idea? Look no further than our irresistible Chicken and Rice recipe! With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, sweet pineapple, and savory bacon, it’s a taste sensation your family will love. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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, garnish
- 3-4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Preparation:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create Flavorful Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, and honey. For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture if desired.
- Assemble Ingredients: Place the uncooked instant rice, diced onion, diced bell pepper, pineapple chunks (with juices), and diced chicken pieces into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil, stir the ingredients together, and sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces on top.
- Final Touches: Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Once done, toss the ingredients one more time and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs:
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
- Yes, you can substitute regular rice for instant rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure there is enough liquid to cook the rice fully.
What can I use as a substitute for honey?
- Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as alternatives to honey in this recipe for a similar level of sweetness.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes necessary?
- No, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What sides pair well with Chicken and Rice?
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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