Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Delights

I absolutely love preparing this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice on cozy evenings when I crave something hearty yet tropical. Combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the sweet tang of pineapple, this dish is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. What I adore most is that it all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the creamy sauce is so rich and flavorful, it feels like a culinary hug in a bowl!

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:22:10.982Z

While experimenting with one-pot meals, I stumbled upon this beautiful combination of flavors when I added pineapple to the traditional chicken and rice recipe. The sweetness of the pineapple enhances the savory chicken perfectly, making it a family favorite. I was quite surprised at how quickly the dish came together!

Remember to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld. I love to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top, which adds a lovely freshness to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A tropical twist with the sweetness of pineapple
Single pot means less cleanup and easy cooking
Creamy and flavorful sauce that lifts the dish

The Role of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk brings a luxurious creaminess to this dish, making it distinctively rich and tropical. Its subtle sweetness complements the pineapple perfectly, creating a balanced flavor profile. When adding coconut milk, make sure to use the full-fat variety for the best texture and taste. This will help achieve the creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the rice, enriching each bite and enhancing the overall experience.

If you're looking to cut down on calories while still enjoying the dish, you can substitute half of the coconut milk with low-fat milk or even almond milk. However, keep in mind that this will slightly alter the richness and flavor of the sauce. For a dairy-free option, simply stick to coconut milk or use cashew cream as a substitute.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Assemble all your ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process. This ensures that once you sauté the chicken, everything else is ready to go, preventing any burns or overcooking. When you first add the rice and liquids, stir well to avoid clumping; this will help the rice cook evenly. Monitoring the simmering time is crucial—if the rice isn't tender within the suggested 25 minutes, it may need an additional 5 minutes. Just make sure to keep it covered to retain steam.

Should you discover your dish looking too dry while it cooks, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth or coconut milk, adjusting as needed. On the flip side, if it seems too liquidy at the end of cooking, simply remove the lid and turn the heat up for a few minutes to help it evaporate, achieving that perfect fluffy texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the rice, pineapple, chicken broth, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Cook the Dish

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips

Using canned pineapple gives a really nice sweetness and flavor, but if you prefer fresh pineapple, you can substitute it as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh pineapple may need a bit longer to soften.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pineapple chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. I often serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad tossed with lime juice and a sprinkle of salt for brightness. If you want to add a protein punch, consider garnishing with toasted cashews or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a few chili flakes or sriracha to your serving. This addition enhances the dish's tropical notes while providing a delightful kick, making for an elevated dining experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Microwaving is convenient too—just remember to stir and heat in intervals to ensure even warming.

For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy pineapple chicken and rice. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the stovetop reheating method to bring it back to life!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just add a little extra coconut milk to loosen it up while reheating.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

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

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated easily.