Save This vibrant Thai dish combines tender chicken pieces with sweet pineapple chunks, crunchy roasted cashews, and a colorful mix of bell peppers, peas, and green onions. Cooked jasmine rice is stir-fried with aromatic garlic, eggs, and a blend of soy, fish, and oyster sauces, enhanced by curry and pepper spices. The result is a deliciously balanced meal perfect for busy nights or festive occasions. Using day-old rice helps achieve ideal texture, while lime wedges add a fresh finish.
The first time I made this for my sister, she took one bite and literally stopped talking mid-sentence. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and those cashews hitting your teeth in different moments it just works somehow. Now she requests it every birthday dinner instead of going out to a restaurant.
Last summer, my neighbor caught the incredible smell wafting through my open kitchen window and showed up with an empty Tupperware, asking if there was any extra. Her kids now call it the happy rice and cheer whenever they see me heading to the stove with cashews.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cut them into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly and you do not end up with dry bits
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs scramble better and incorporate into the rice more smoothly
- Fresh pineapple: The acidity cuts through the rich flavors and brightens every single bite
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and those gorgeous pops of color that make the dish feel special
- Cashews: Toast them briefly in a dry pan first if you want even more nutty flavor
- Cold jasmine rice: Day-old rice is non-negotiable here because fresh rice turns into glue in the wok
- Curry powder: Just a teaspoon adds that aromatic background warmth people cannot quite place
Instructions
- Cook the chicken first:
- Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it develop a golden crust before flipping, about 4 minutes total, then remove it to a plate.
- Build the flavor base:
- Add the remaining oil and garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not brown.
- Scramble the eggs:
- Push everything to the side, crack in the eggs, and let them set slightly before scrambling them into soft curds.
- Add the vegetables:
- Toss in the bell pepper, peas, carrots, and pineapple, stir-frying for about 2 minutes until the pineapple starts to caramelize at the edges.
- Combine everything:
- Add the rice and chicken back in, then pour in all your sauces and seasonings, tossing constantly until each grain is coated and heated through.
- Finish with crunch:
- Remove from heat and stir in the cashews and green onions so they stay vibrant and crisp.
Save This recipe has become my go-to for unexpected dinner guests because it looks impressive but comes together so effortlessly. Something about the vibrant colors and tropical flavors makes ordinary Tuesday dinners feel like a small celebration.
Making It Your Own
My cousin uses shrimp instead of chicken and lets the seafood natural sweetness shine through. You can also swap cashews for roasted peanuts if that is what you have in the pantry, though the texture changes slightly.
Serving Suggestions
A cool cucumber salad on the side balances the warm, spiced rice perfectly. I also like serving extra lime wedges at the table because some guests love that hit of fresh acid right before eating.
Storage And Meal Prep
This reheats beautifully for next-day lunches and actually tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the rice.
- Never freeze fried rice because the texture becomes mushy and unappealing
- Add fresh cashews when reheating so they do not lose their crunch
- The rice keeps well for up to three days but is best enjoyed within two
Save Gather your people around a steaming platter of this colorful rice and watch how quickly it disappears from the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
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Day-old jasmine rice is ideal as it’s dried out slightly, preventing clumps and ensuring a light, fluffy texture when stir-fried.
- → Can I substitute chicken with a vegetarian option?
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Yes, replacing chicken with tofu or extra vegetables works well. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- → How do cashews enhance the dish?
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Roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweet pineapple and savory sauces.
- → What is the purpose of using multiple sauces like soy, fish, and oyster sauce?
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Combining these sauces creates a complex umami depth, balancing salty, sweet, and savory notes typical in Thai cuisine.
- → Why is lime served alongside this meal?
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Lime wedges add bright acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances the fresh flavors of the ingredients.
