Pineapple Chicken Rice Bowls

When I saw  this recipe I KNEW we had to try it.  I have several pineapple lovers in our house and this couldn't have been more tasty.  I adjusted it to make a bit more sauce (because along with pineapple my people REALLY love sauce) and everyone gobbled it up.  Don't be intimidated by the pineapple bowls - you could easily adjust and use canned pineapple chunks as well!  

What You'll Need...

- 2 small pineapples (or 1 can of pineapple chunks in juice)

- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 3 tablespoons or so pineapple juice

- 9 cloves minced garlic (1.5 tablespoons)

- 6 teaspoons minced freh ginger

- 3 teaspoons sesame oil

- olive oil

- 2 (or so) pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped

- 6 teaspoons cornstarch

- 6 teaspoons water

- several cups cooked rice

**don't stress when measuring... it'll be ok!!!***

What You'll Do...

Step 1 - Slice the pineapples in half, leaving the stem.  Scoop out the insides creating a bowl.  As you're scooping reserve the juice for the sauce (don't stress if you don't get 3 tablespoons... just get what you can!).  Chop the pineapple you scoop out into small chunks and hold onto it for later.

Step 2 - In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger and sesame oil.

Step 3 - Season the chicken all over with a bit of salt.  Heat your olive oil in a skillet and add your chicken. Cook until heated through and golden brown.  Pour the sauce over the chicken and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4 - Whisk together the cornstarch and water and then stir that into the sauce.  Simmer on low until the sauce is thickened (about 8 - 10 minutes).  

Step 5 - Scoop rice and chicken into the bowls and garnish with the pineapple you chopped earlier.

NOTES- I made basmati rice but any rice will do.  This recipe will also yield quite a bit of sauce so you should have plenty to mix in with your rice and pineapple.  You don't HAVE to serve this in a pineapple and could easily used canned pineapple chunks (in juice) and serve these in regular bowls - but the fresh pineapple is just so pretty!!!

ENJOY!!!