ISLAND BIRD: PINEAPPLE-RUM CHICKEN

Island Bird: Pineapple-Rum Chicken image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

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.