Chicken & Pineapple Bowl 🐔🍍🍅🥬

Chicken & Pineapple Bowl 🐔🍍🍅🥬

The Chicken & Pineapple Bowl is a tropical-inspired meal that blends the savory goodness of chicken with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, packed with protein, fiber, and refreshing ingredients. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Pineapple:

• 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and diced (or 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Base:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
• 1 cup mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced thinly
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup avocado, sliced
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Coat the chicken breasts or thighs with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
   In a small bowl, combine the diced pineapple with honey (optional), lime zest, and cilantro (optional). Toss well and set aside. You can also grill the pineapple slices for a few minutes for added flavor.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
   Start with a base of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice in each bowl. Add a handful of mixed greens on top, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado slices.
5. Top with Chicken & Pineapple:
   Add the cooked chicken pieces and top with the pineapple mixture.
6. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or agave), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and give everything a gentle toss.
7. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle the bowl with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch, and garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Pineapple Bowl:

• Tropical Flavors: The combination of savory chicken and sweet pineapple creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the zesty lime and fresh cilantro add a burst of freshness.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and plenty of fiber and vitamins from the fresh veggies, this bowl is a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable: You can swap out the base for different grains or use a low-carb option like cauliflower rice. Add more veggies or switch the toppings based on what you have on hand.
• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Health Benefits:

1. Chicken: High in lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s also a great source of vitamins like B6, niacin, and selenium, which support metabolism and immune function.
2. Pineapple: A fantastic source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes (such as bromelain), which support immune health and aid in digestion.
3. Avocado: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support digestion.
4. Quinoa/Rice: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, while brown rice offers fiber and B-vitamins for sustained energy.

This Chicken & Pineapple Bowl is a flavorful, healthy, and colorful meal that will make your taste buds sing! Whether you’re looking to fuel up post-workout or need a quick, balanced meal for lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.