One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple
A vibrant Puerto Rican-style rice dish cooked with chicken, bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks for a balanced flavor profile. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs (75g) onion, diced, (75g) bell pepper, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/2 cup (75g) onion, diced
- 1/2 cup (75g) bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (75g) tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp (10g) green onions, chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup (85g) pineapple chunks (canned, drained)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high; season chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear for 5 minutes per side until golden.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then stir in diced onion, bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add diced tomato and 2 tbsp green onions, then pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup rice, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 cup pineapple chunks; stir to combine.
- Step 4: Return seared chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low; simmer for 25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Let rest 5 minutes before serving, garnished with extra pineapple chunks.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (75g) onion, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Rice with Chicken and Pineapple?
Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.