I’m not sure what’s gotten into me, but I’ve really been into chicken and rice the past couple weeks. Maybe because I’m trying out some healthier options? Dunno. But this was really easy and delicious. You could grill the chicken and pineapple, or cook inside.
Jerk Chicken with Grilled Pineapple and Basil Lime Rice
serves 4
CHICKEN
4 organic chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
about 2T Jamaican Jerk seasoning – I love the Pampered Chef Jamaican Jerk Rub, but you can use any kind
2T olive oil
chicken broth
1 lime, sliced
PINEAPPLE
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1″ strips
1T olive oil
1T honey
2T chopped fresh mint
BASIL LIME RICE
1 cup long grain white rice (like jasmine)
2 cups water
2T chopped fresh basil
1t lime zest
PREPARATION
1. Preheat broiler to high with oven rack 2/3 to the top.
2. Place 1 cup rice and 2 cups water in rice cooker; cook for 20 minutes.
3. Warm 1T honey in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Whisk in 1T olive oil. Toss pineapple in honey-olive oil mixture. Place on baking sheet and place under broiler. This will cook for about 12-15 minutes. You can turn the pineapple half way through cooking to get even browning. Don’t let this burn, but check on it to make sure the pineapple is getting nice an browned (this is where the pineapple juices bubble out to combine with the olive oil and honey, creating a sweet caramelized flavor – and OH it’s good).
4. Heat 2T olive oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken breasts with jerk rub and, using your hand, rub onto the chicken on both sides. The amount you use is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is to cover the chicken breast with the seasoning, then when you rub it, the extra falls off. Place chicken breasts in saucepan and cook until done, turning over halfway through. Cooking the chicken this way gives it a nice brown crust. If the chicken is somewhat thick and is taking too long to cook, you can add 2T chicken broth at a time and cover the pan so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
5. Add basil and lime zest to the rice and mix it up. Place rice on a plate, top with chicken and pineapple, then sprinkle with mint. Serve with a slice of lime.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Chicken and rice are our default quick and healthy dinner. A cast iron grill pan and a handful of fresh herbs goes a long way toward making otherwise ordinary chicken breasts way more enjoyable.