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 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained but juice reserved; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Plates

I absolutely love this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe! It combines succulent chicken with the sweet tang of pineapple in a creamy sauce, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. The best part is that everything cooks together in one pot, which saves time on cleanup and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. In just a short while, you’ll have a comforting meal that's both simple and delicious, perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:49:14.132Z

When I first attempted this dish, I wasn’t quite sure how pineapple would work in a savory meal. To my surprise, the combination was heavenly! The sweetness of the pineapple balances perfectly with the richness of the sauce, creating an impressive depth of flavor. Plus, cooking everything in one pot minimizes the mess, making it a practical choice for a weeknight dinner.

I also find that letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the rice absorb the creamy sauce even better. I recommend garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh taste that enhances the overall dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously balanced flavors of sweet pineapple and savory chicken
Creamy sauce that clings to the rice for a satisfying bite
One-pot cooking for easy cleanup and hassle-free meal prep

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

A crucial part of making this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice is ensuring the chicken is properly cooked before adding other ingredients. Cook the diced chicken breast until it's browned on all sides; this should take about 5-7 minutes. This step not only enhances flavor through browning but also helps to lock in moisture, making the chicken juicy. If your pot starts to become too dry, just add a splash of chicken broth to avoid burning.

The key to fluffy rice lies in the simmering process. After combining the rice and liquids, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it lets out steam needed to cook the rice evenly. A visual cue for doneness is when the rice has absorbed all the liquid and appears tender and fluffy.

Flavor Boosting Tips

Using fresh ginger is highly recommended as it contributes an aromatic warmth to the dish. If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can substitute it with ground ginger, but use about half the amount since ground ginger is more concentrated. Additionally, feel free to adjust the soy sauce based on how salty you like your dish; tamari can be used for a gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the pineapple chunks slightly before incorporating them into the dish. This caramelization will enhance their sweetness and add a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce. Just toss the pineapple in the pot for a couple of minutes until they start to brown slightly before folding them in during the final steps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained but juice reserved
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup coconut milk
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.

Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the rice, reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and ginger. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

Add Pineapple

Gently fold in the pineapple chunks and let them warm through for another 5 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also experiment by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

This Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot to loosen any grains that may have clumped together. Heat over medium-low until warmed through, usually about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time for meal prep, you can cook the chicken and rice according to the recipe, let it cool, and then store it in portions. Consider freezing individual servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, it's best to thaw the portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, allowing them to come to room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. The acidity from a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully. You could also serve it with lime wedges on the side, adding a zesty pop that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

If you're looking to enhance the tropical vibe, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before serving. This adds a nice crunch and elevates the dish's presentation, creating an inviting meal that looks as good as it tastes. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time will increase to about 50 minutes.

→ Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, although it will alter the flavor slightly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it on the stove or microwave. Just add a bit of water to help retain moisture when reheating.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.