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 jasmine rice; 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned); 1 can coconut milk (400ml); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Homemade Bliss

I love making creamy one pot meals because they combine convenience with flavor, and this Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe is a perfect example. The combination of juicy chicken, tender rice, and the sweetness of pineapple creates a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting. What I adore about this recipe is how everything cooks together in one pot, infusing the rice with all those delicious flavors while saving me from extra dishes. It’s quick to whip up and always a hit at the dinner table!

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:01:18.116Z

When I first tried this creamy pineapple chicken and rice, I was skeptical about the combination of flavors. However, after one bite, I was hooked! The pineapple not only adds a juicy sweetness but also balances the savory elements of the chicken and spices. I learned that marinating the chicken briefly with soy sauce and pineapple juice enhances the flavors even more, making it incredibly tender.

Over time, I’ve discovered that using a single pot not only makes the cooking process smoother but also allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors. If you want to maximize the creaminess, consider adding a splash more coconut milk at the end for an even richer finish. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
One pot means less cleanup and more taste!
A creamy texture that adds comfort to your meal

Understanding the Ingredients

The main components of this dish play a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy texture and delightful flavor profile. The jasmine rice not only absorbs the coconut milk and chicken broth beautifully but also adds a subtle floral note that complements the pineapple's sweetness. If jasmine rice isn’t available, you can substitute it with basmati or long-grain rice, though this may slightly alter the dish's final taste and texture.

Using fresh pineapple adds a burst of acidity, ensuring that the dish is bright and refreshing. If opting for canned pineapple, make sure to use chunks in juice or light syrup, and drain it well to avoid excess sweetness. The combination of pineapple and coconut is reminiscent of tropical flavors, enhancing the overall experience of this one-pot meal.

Cooking Technique Tips

Sautéing the onion and garlic until translucent is crucial for building the dish’s flavor base. This process allows the aromatics to release their essential oils, creating a fragrant environment that will infuse the chicken and rice as they cook. Make sure to keep an eye on them; if you let them caramelize too much, they can turn bitter, affecting the dish’s overall taste.

When you add the rice and liquids, it’s important to bring them to a gentle simmer before covering the pot. This ensures that the rice starts cooking evenly; the moment you see bubbles forming, it’s time to cover and reduce the heat. Reducing the heat too soon can lead to undercooked rice or uneven texture, so patience is key here!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This creamy Pineapple Chicken and Rice dish is excellent on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess. For an extra touch, a drizzle of lime juice right before serving can add brightness and enhance the tropical flavor notes.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice if it has thickened. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in portions. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to two months.

Ingredients

For the Dish

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
1 can coconut milk (400ml)
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.

Cook Chicken

Add diced chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rice, pineapple, coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, and bell pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer

Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquids.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute quinoa for rice for a healthy twist.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

One common issue when making this dish is the rice turning out too sticky or mushy. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water before adding it to the pot. This removes excess starch and helps it cook to a fluffy consistency. Additionally, ensure that you're following the liquid-to-rice ratio accurately before cooking.

If you find that the chicken isn’t browning well, it could be because the pot isn’t hot enough. Make sure to use medium heat, allowing enough time for the chicken to develop a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, work in batches to achieve the best color and flavor.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize this dish by adding a variety of vegetables. Consider incorporating snap peas, carrots, or even spinach for additional nutrition and color. Just be sure to add these vegetables according to their cooking times, starting with harder vegetables like carrots first and adding greens towards the end to maintain their vibrant color and nutrition.

For a heartier version, you could substitute half of the chicken breast with shrimp or tofu, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly and tofu should be pre-cooked if using a firmer variety to achieve the right texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

If you prefer, you can use heavy cream or a dairy-free milk alternative, but the flavor will change.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for more nutrition and color.