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: 2 cups of chicken breast, diced; 1 cup of jasmine rice; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 cup of coconut milk; 1 cup of chicken broth; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Table

I absolutely love creating dishes that bring comfort and joy, and Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice is one of my favorites. The creamy texture combined with the sweet and tangy pineapple creates a delicious harmony that my family can't resist. Cooking it all in one pot makes cleanup a breeze, which is a big win for busy weeknights. I've perfected this recipe over time to achieve the right balance of flavors and textures, and I'm excited to share it with you!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:01:17.429Z

Creating Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice was a delightful experience for me. I wanted to develop a recipe that blended protein and carbohydrates in a way that was flavorful and satisfying. By incorporating the pineapple, I discovered that the natural sweetness balances perfectly with savory spices and creamy ingredients, creating a dish that's comforting and refreshing all at once.

One of the tips I found crucial while making this dish is to let it sit after cooking. Allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes really enhances the overall taste, making every bite just an explosion of creamy, tropical goodness. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it brings as much joy to you as it has to me!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A delightful fusion of creamy and tropical flavors
One-pot convenience for easy cleanup
Perfectly balanced taste that pleases everyone at the table

The Creamy Component

Coconut milk is the star of the creamy component in this dish, offering a rich texture and flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully. When adding the coconut milk, be sure to choose a full-fat version for the best results, as it helps achieve that luxurious creaminess we're aiming for. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with low-fat coconut milk; however, keep in mind that this might reduce the dish's overall creaminess.

As the coconut milk simmers with the other ingredients, it will thicken slightly, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the heat. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly, ensuring that the rice absorbs the creamy mixture without becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot and to maintain the smooth consistency you're looking for.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Using diced chicken breast makes the cooking process quick and ensures the chicken remains juicy. While chicken thighs could also be used for a richer taste, using breast meat is both leaner and pairs well with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and coconut. If you have leftover cooked chicken, feel free to add it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.

To enhance the chicken’s flavor, consider marinating it in a mix of soy sauce and garlic before cooking. This gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the coconut milk. Just 30 minutes of marination will elevate the overall taste of your dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups of chicken breast, diced
1 cup of jasmine rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup of coconut milk
1 cup of chicken broth
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to prep all your ingredients before starting for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, salt, and pepper, and sauté until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.

Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the rice, pineapple chunks, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy your delicious meal!

Enjoy the creamy goodness with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, feel free to incorporate your favorite spices or herbs, such as ginger or cilantro.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is often the case, as this recipe is quite filling), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making the leftovers just as delightful as the original meal. However, to preserve the creamy texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it from sticking.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of this dish. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of coconut milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Feel free to customize your dish with different vegetables. Carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli can add great texture and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for any firmer vegetables to ensure they cook through without losing their crunch. Throw them in alongside the bell pepper for best results.

This Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish can be served on its own, but I often pair it with a side salad or steamed green beans for a more complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or even toasted coconut flakes for an exciting finishing touch that enhances the tropical experience of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and cook it when you're ready. It also reheats well.

→ What can I pair this dish with?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.