Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup rice; 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Traditional Family Comfort

I absolutely love this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice recipe because it perfectly combines savory and sweet flavors in a convenient, all-in-one dish. The chicken becomes tender and infused with the sweetness of pineapple, while the rice soaks up all those delicious juices. It’s a comforting meal that brings a bit of tropical sunshine to my kitchen, and I often find myself making it for family gatherings or when I want a quick dinner that feels special. It’s an easy dish that never fails to impress!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:31:13.435Z

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it was. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice makes it a family favorite. I recommend using freshly squeezed pineapple juice if you can find it; it really enhances the overall flavor. Plus, it's a fantastic one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze!

I've experimented with adding different vegetables, and bell peppers work wonderfully in this recipe. They add color and extra crunch, making the dish even more interesting. Don't hesitate to customize it based on what you have in your fridge!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul
A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors
Quick and easy to prepare in just one pot

The Importance of Ingredients

The choice of chicken is crucial for this dish; using chicken breast ensures lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender in the creamy sauce. Dicing the chicken into uniform pieces allows for even cooking, important for attaining that perfect golden-brown exterior. If you prefer dark meat for a richer flavor, feel free to substitute chicken thighs, which also remain juicy when cooked properly within the creamy broth.

Rice plays a vital role in this recipe, not just as a filler but as a flavor absorber. Choosing long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is ideal as they tend to stay fluffy rather than sticky. I recommend rinsing the rice before adding it to the pot to remove excess starch, which can make the dish gummy; the rinsing will help achieve a beautiful, fluffy texture.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Rice

The method of cooking the rice in the same pot as the chicken and coconut milk not only infuses it with flavor but also ensures that it absorbs the right amount of liquid. Be sure to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; a vigorous boil can lead to unevenly cooked rice. Keep an eye on it, and if you notice that the rice is absorbing the liquid too quickly, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

After about 20-25 minutes, check the rice for texture. Ideally, it should be tender but not mushy. If the rice is still firm but the liquid is almost gone, add a bit more chicken broth or water a tablespoon at a time, covering it again to allow the rice to finish cooking through steam.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious one-pot meal:

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup rice
1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready for a quick and enjoyable cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make this comforting dish:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the rice, chicken broth, coconut milk, reserved pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add Pineapple

Once simmering, add the pineapple chunks and allow the mixture to cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and easy meal with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and pineapple juice for an hour before cooking. You can also add some chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh garnish.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the dish even further, I like to garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added color and a fresh burst of flavor. A squeeze of lime right before serving can brighten the dish and enhance the tropical notes from the pineapple. This Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables to balance out the rich flavors.

For a festive presentation, consider serving the dish in hollowed-out pineapple halves. Not only does it make for an eye-catching centerpiece, but it also reinforces the tropical theme and provides a slight sweetness when scooping out the tender fruit alongside the chicken and rice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and rice as necessary.

If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, consider prepping the ingredients the night before. Chop the onion and garlic, and dice the chicken, storing them separately in the fridge. This will cut down on prep time, and once you’re ready to cook, the process will be smooth and quick, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it on the stove before serving. Just add a little water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ What can I serve with Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.