Introduction
Transform humble chicken and cauliflower into a vibrant, tropical fiesta with this easy, low-carb stir-fry! This recipe is bursting with flavor and is perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Forget takeout – this deliciousness is ready in under 30 minutes!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, healthy, and tastes amazing! The cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice, and the sweet pineapple perfectly complements the savory chicken and vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your liking – making it a true family favorite.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🍚 1 large head of cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 🍍 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 🧅 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌶️ 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 🥜 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 🍯 1 tbsp honey
- 🥄 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 🥥 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 🌱 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Rice the cauliflower: If using a whole head of cauliflower, pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice. Alternatively, use pre-riced cauliflower.
3️⃣ Stir-fry the chicken: Heat the coconut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
4️⃣ Sauté the veggies: Add the red onion and bell pepper to the wok and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the garlic and chili peppers (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5️⃣ Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the wok. Stir in the riced cauliflower, pineapple, soy sauce, and honey. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6️⃣ Thicken the sauce (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
7️⃣ Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, honey, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh pineapple, you can substitute with canned pineapple chunks (drained).
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
Heat Control
Using medium-high heat for the chicken ensures a nice sear and prevents it from becoming dry. Lowering the heat slightly when adding the cauliflower prevents burning and allows it to cook evenly.
Crunch Factor
The cauliflower rice adds a delightful, slightly crunchy texture to the stir-fry, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken and juicy pineapple. The bell pepper also provides a pleasant crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker prep, use pre-riced cauliflower and pre-cut vegetables.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a zesty kick.
- Try adding a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This stir-fry makes a fantastic gift! Package it in a beautiful, reusable container and add a handwritten card with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add more chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
🌟 Sweet and Sour: Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
🌟 Peanut Butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
🌟 Ginger-Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for a more pungent aroma.
Troubleshooting
- Cauliflower too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth while cooking if the cauliflower becomes too dry.
- Sauce too thin: Add more cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Chicken overcooked: Reduce the heat and cook for a shorter time to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen pineapple? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the stir-fry.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to cook this stir-fry fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble it just before cooking.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Can I add other protein? Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef would all work well.
Conclusion
This Cauliflower Rice Chicken Stir-Fry with Pineapple is a simple yet spectacular dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash – perfect for busy weeknights. Share this recipe with your friends and family and let’s get cooking!