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 cooked rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 can pineapple chunks, drained (15 oz); 1 cup coconut milk; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Classics

I love making this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice on busy weeknights when I crave a dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and creamy sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors that my family enjoys. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win! This recipe has quickly become a go-to for its simplicity and delicious taste, making dinner a breeze.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:04:18.927Z

When I first attempted this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together. The key is to sauté the chicken until it's golden brown, allowing it to lock in all those delicious juices before adding the other ingredients. I also love using fresh pineapple when it's in season for that added burst of sweetness. It transforms a simple dinner into something genuinely special!

During my testing, I found that simmering the rice in the creamy sauce not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the dish from drying out. To elevate it even more, I recommend garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness. Trust me, this dish will become a family favorite!

You Will Love This Recipe Because
The perfect balance between creamy and sweet flavors
Quick and easy one-pot preparation for busy evenings
A delightful tropical twist that adds excitement to your dinner routine

Understanding the Ingredients

The stars of the Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice dish are the chicken breast and pineapple. The chicken, when seared to a golden brown, provides a rich base flavor that infuses the entire dish. Meanwhile, the pineapple adds a burst of sweetness and acidity, which helps to balance the creaminess of the coconut milk. Opt for fresh pineapple if you prefer a brighter flavor, but canned works just fine for convenience. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in your dish.

Coconut milk is not just a wonderful source of creaminess; it also contributes a unique flavor dimension to the dish. When stirred into the sautéed vegetables and chicken, it creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the rice. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute with low-fat coconut milk or even Greek yogurt; just add it at the end to prevent curdling. Keep in mind that this substitution may alter the flavor slightly, but it still keeps the dish creamy.

Steps to Perfection

Sautéeing the chicken at high heat is key to achieving a good texture—the exterior should be lightly golden and slightly crispy. If you're using chicken thighs instead of breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly since they can cook faster due to their fat content. Pay attention to the chicken; if you see it starting to stick to the pot, it may be a sign to lower the heat or add a touch more oil to prevent burning.

When combining the ingredients, give the mixture ample time to simmer. Covering the pot traps steam, helping the rice absorb all the delicious flavors. Keep an eye on the simmering process; if it’s bubbling too violently, lower the heat to a medium-low setting. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning at the bottom. If you find the rice is too dry when it’s time to serve, just splash in a little extra coconut milk or water to loosen it up.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 can pineapple chunks, drained (15 oz)
1 cup coconut milk
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Make sure you have everything before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious dish.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Cook Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pot, then stir in the pineapple, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Mix until well combined.

Add Rice

Stir in the cooked rice. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve and Garnish

Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Enjoy your creamy, flavorful dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice right before serving to brighten the dish. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepped in advance by cooking the rice and chopping the vegetables a day before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, on a busy evening, you can quickly sauté the chicken and vegetables before adding the pre-cooked rice and other ingredients. This not only saves time but also allows flavors to meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the dish when you finally serve it.

If you wish to make a large batch, consider doubling the ingredients. However, you may need to increase cooking time slightly to ensure everything heats through properly. If your pot isn’t large enough, split the recipe across two pots to maintain even cooking and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice stores well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat along with a splash of coconut milk or water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave it in intervals, stirring in between, until hot, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry out.

If you prefer to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions. Note that the texture may vary slightly, but the delightful flavors will still shine through!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

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

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ What can I serve on the side?

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