A comforting Filipino style pineapple chicken, with tender chicken simmered in a lightly sweet, creamy sauce enriched with pineapple, vegetables, and coconut or evaporated milk. A homey, flavorful meal perfect over rice.
Full Recipe:
1 kg (2 lb) chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts), bone‑in or boneless
Pineapple juice (about 1 cup) used for marinating or simmering
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 carrot, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
2 Tbsp oil for sautéing
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: sugar or fish sauce, scallions or cashews for garnish
Marinate (optional): Marinate chicken in the pineapple juice for about 15–30 minutes for added flavor.
Sauté aromatics: In a pot or deep pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.
Brown chicken: Add the chicken pieces and sear lightly until edges are just browned.
Add liquid and vegetables: Add remaining pineapple juice or stock, potatoes, carrots, and pineapple chunks. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer in dairy: Stir in evaporated milk or coconut milk (or replace with more stock). Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a bit of sugar or fish sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through (~20–25 minutes).
Finish with peppers: Add bell pepper during the last 5 minutes so it stays crisp. Adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with scallions or cashews if desired. Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Calories: ~400–500 kcal
Protein: ~25–35 g
Fat: ~15–25
Carbohydrates: ~20–30 g (from vegetables + pineapple)
Fiber: ~3–5 g
Sodium: moderate (varies by seasoning)