ISLAND BIRD: PINEAPPLE-RUM CHICKEN

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Island Bird: Pineapple-Rum Chicken image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, any brand
1 whole pineapple, cored and peeled
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup (a 2-ounce nip) spiced rum, such as Captain Morgan's
2 cups chicken stock or broth
4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Coarse black pepper
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful), chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves (a palmful), chopped

Steps:

  • Cook the rice according to the package directions. While it cooks, make the chicken and sauce.
  • Cut the pineapple into bite-size chunks. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil, once around the pan. Add the onions, garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the pineapple chunks and the juice from the container, no more than 1/2 cup, and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and add the spiced rum. Return the pan to the heat, keeping a little distance in case the pot flames up. You can flame it on purpose, if you want to look cool. Either way, let the alcohol cook away, 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook until it reduces by half and has thickened slightly.
  • While the sauce is simmering, preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes on each side. For a smoky taste, grill the chicken on a grill pan or on an outdoor grill.
  • Slice the breasts and return to the large skillet. Pour in the pineapple and sauce and combine with a good shake of the pan. Add the parsley and cilantro to the pan and turn off the heat. Let stand for a minute or two. Serve up the jasmine rice and top with liberal ladles of the Island Bird.
  • You can often find whole pineapples already peeled and cored in pouches or tall plastic containers. Check the fresh produce section.

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