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 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Plate Creations

I absolutely adore this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe! It’s a delightful combination of savory and sweet that brings a taste of the tropics to my kitchen. The creamy texture, paired with tender chicken and juicy pineapple, creates a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Plus, the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a lovely dinner with friends. I can't wait for you to try this comforting dish!

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:10:13.189Z

When I first stumbled upon this Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice recipe, I was cautious about the combination of flavors. However, after my first bite, I was sold on the unique blend of sweetness from the pineapple and the savory notes of the chicken. The creamy sauce balanced everything so beautifully that it quickly became a family favorite.

One key to achieving the perfection of this dish is letting the rice absorb all of that luscious sauce. I recommend resisting the urge to stir too much; letting it sit allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Trust me, the final result is well worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A unique tropical twist with pineapple balancing savory chicken and rice.
One-pot convenience means less clean up and more time enjoying the meal.
Creamy texture that makes each bite satisfying and rich.

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of coconut milk and chicken broth creates a rich and creamy base for this dish, enhancing the flavors of the pineapple and chicken without overpowering them. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and luxurious texture that makes every bite satisfying. When choosing your coconut milk, opt for full-fat varieties for maximum creaminess, as lite options may result in a less indulgent dish.

Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and ability to stay juicy during cooking. While you could substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they may dry out if overcooked. For those looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken breast but be sure to monitor cooking times closely, as they generally cook faster than thighs.

Techniques for Perfect Rice

Cooking rice in the same pot as the other ingredients allows it to absorb all the wonderful flavors, but timing is crucial. Once you add the rice and liquids, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can lead to unevenly cooked rice. A tight-fitting lid is essential to trap steam, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce.

After the initial cooking time of 25 minutes, let the mixture rest off the heat for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a fluffy texture. If the rice seems too wet after cooking, give it a quick stir with a fork to fluff it up before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Creamy One Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by garnishing with toasted coconut flakes or adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. These additions can enhance the tropical flavor profile, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to balance the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist and prevent sticking. If you want to store it longer, it can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your meal:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Add the rice, chicken broth, coconut milk, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir well to combine.

Bring to a Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Add Pineapple and Serve

After 25 minutes, remove the pot from heat and carefully stir in the pineapple chunks. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped green onions.

Enjoy this hearty meal with loved ones!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a little of the reserved pineapple juice before cooking. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your dish turns out too creamy or thick, it may be due to too much coconut milk. To counteract this, you can stir in a bit more chicken broth or water while reheating. This will not only help thin it out but also reintroduces moisture for an enjoyable texture. It's always a good idea to taste and adjust seasonings after adding liquids, as you'll want to maintain a balance of flavors.

On the flip side, if the dish appears too runny after cooking, it might be a sign that the rice didn’t absorb enough liquid. You could simmer it uncovered for a additional few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This method gives you more control over the final texture.

Variations to Experiment With

For a different flavor profile, consider adding diced bell peppers or snap peas along with the onions. These vegetables not only add color but also a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the dish. Additionally, swapping out pineapple for mango can provide a sweet and tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the coconut flavor.

If you want to spice things up, adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha can give this dish a delightful heat without overpowering its tropical essence. Just be careful to start small; you can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!

Making It Ahead of Time

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in the soy sauce the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on busy weeknights. This will also allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the dish’s depth.

Once you're ready to cook, simply follow the steps as directed. Note that prepared ingredients should be used within 24 hours for optimal freshness. When it comes to reheating, do so gently; aim for a low heat to warm the dish gradually without overcooking the rice or chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Brown rice typically takes about 45-50 minutes to cook.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

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

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.