What makes this dish so unique?
What does comfort food mean to you? For me, it’s all about dishes that bring warmth and joy to the table. Creamy Pininyahang Manok, or Filipino Pineapple Chicken, is exactly that—a dish that instantly transports me to sunny days in the Philippines. This meal is a delightful blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapples, and a creamy sauce, bringing a burst of tropical sunshine to your plate.
What makes this dish so unique is how the juicy pineapple chunks provide a natural sweetness that balances out the creaminess, while the tender chicken absorbs all the flavors, making every bite a burst of tropical goodness. It’s a simple one-pot meal that comes together effortlessly, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to serve something special for a gathering. Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors or craving a taste of home, Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a flavorful and comforting choice.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
I’m a huge fan of Pininyahang Manok, especially when I want to switch things up with my usual chicken recipes. The way the sweet, juicy pineapple chunks melt into the creamy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes with those vibrant bell peppers and carrots.
Now, while you can definitely make this dish from scratch, it’s also perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying. I often use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it always turns out amazing. For the milk, you can go with either evaporated milk or coconut milk, depending on what you prefer or have in the pantry.
And if you’re cooking for kids, this dish is a winner! The natural sweetness from the pineapple makes it a hit with little ones, and they won’t even notice all the colorful veggies mixed in. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s ready in no time but tastes like you’ve put in a lot of effort.
Why Creamy Pininyahang Manok is the Perfect Meal for Busy Days
I know the feeling of wanting a simple yet satisfying meal after a long day. Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a great option when you need something easy to make but still comforting. It’s a dish that combines the mild sweetness of pineapple with the richness of a creamy sauce, offering a nice change from the usual dinners.
This recipe is practical for busy days—you can pull it together with just a few basic ingredients. It’s a straightforward, one-pot meal that doesn’t require much effort but delivers a satisfying, balanced flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, it’s a reliable choice that works for any day of the week.
If you’re looking for something different to add to your meal rotation, this dish is a great option. The pineapple adds a pleasant sweetness, and the vegetables bring in some color and texture. It’s also a good option for families, as the flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, including kids.
So whether you’re in need of a quick dinner or just want to try something new, Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a versatile, comforting meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pininyahang Manok
Searing the Chicken
Start by searing the chicken pieces to lock in their juices and give them a beautiful golden-brown color. This step is essential for building flavor, as the browned bits left in the pan add depth to the dish. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while searing to ensure even browning. After searing, set the chicken aside and proceed with sautéing the aromatics.
Building the Flavor Base
Sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until they’re fragrant creates a flavorful base for the dish. Ginger, in particular, adds a slight peppery and aromatic note that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Once the aromatics are sautéed, deglaze the pan with a bit of pineapple juice to lift all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which will enhance the overall flavor.
Choosing Pineapple
You can use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe. If you opt for canned pineapple, make sure to use the one packed in natural juice rather than syrup to avoid making the dish too sweet. Fresh pineapple adds a more natural sweetness and a bit of tartness, which can elevate the dish. If using fresh pineapple, you can also blend a portion of it to create fresh pineapple juice for marinating the chicken and adding to the sauce.
Essential Ingredients and Their Substitutes
The Main Ingredients
The key components of Pininyahang Manok are chicken and pineapple. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the marinade and the sauce, making it incredibly tasty. Pineapple is used both as chunks and juice; the juice is often used to marinate the chicken, adding a sweet and slightly acidic flavor that helps tenderize the meat. The creamy element comes from either evaporated milk or coconut milk, which gives the dish its luscious, velvety texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and complements the tropical notes of the pineapple.
Vegetable Additions
Common vegetables in this dish include bell peppers and carrots, which add a pop of color and a slight crunch. The sweetness of the bell peppers enhances the overall flavor profile, while the carrots add a touch of earthiness. You can also add potatoes to make the dish more filling. If you’re aiming for more nutrition, green peas or even spinach can be incorporated. The vegetables not only provide additional texture but also soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful.
Substituting Ingredients
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute with orange juice or apple juice, although this will slightly alter the flavor. For those who prefer a leaner dish, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is an excellent substitute for evaporated milk, providing a creamy consistency without the use of dairy. You can also use non-dairy creamers or soy milk as an alternative.
Creamy Pininyahang Manok (Filipino Pineapple Chicken)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple juice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 green chile, chopped (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan, skin-side down, and sear until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the pineapple juice from the can and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Add the pineapple chunks and mix them well with the chicken.
- Add the sliced carrots and bell peppers to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the evaporated milk (or coconut milk) and gently stir. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want some heat, add chopped green chili at this point.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, allowing the rice to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Video
Notes
- Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple can be used. Fresh pineapple provides a more natural sweetness, while canned pineapple adds a subtle tang from the syrup.
- Creaminess: Use evaporated milk, coconut milk, or cream depending on your preference. Evaporated milk gives a rich but light texture, while coconut milk adds a more tropical flavor.
- Protein: While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with pork or shrimp for a different take on the dish.
- Serving suggestion: Best served hot with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
