Creamy Pininyahang Manok (Filipino Pineapple Chicken Stew)
Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a Filipino chicken dish made rich and flavorful with pineapple, vegetables, and creamer. It’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy with hot steamed rice.
What is Creamy Pininyahang Manok?
This dish is a creamy twist on the classic Pininyahang Manok. Traditionally, the chicken is simmered in pineapple juice with vegetables, but in this version, Carnation Everyday Creamer (or all-purpose cream) is added to give the sauce a smooth, velvety finish. The result is a savory-sweet stew with a rich tropical flavor that’s especially popular during family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 20 oz pineapple chunks, canned (reserve juice)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 medium carrots, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 200 ml Carnation Everyday Creamer (or all-purpose cream/evap)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- Fish sauce and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooking oil, for frying and sautéing
How to Cook Creamy Pininyahang Manok
- Fry the vegetables – Heat oil in a pan. Fry potatoes and carrots until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics – Reduce oil to 3 tbsp. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened.
- Brown the chicken – Add chicken and cook until it turns light brown.
- Simmer with pineapple – Pour in the pineapple juice and chunks. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes (add water if needed).
- Add vegetables – Stir in bell peppers, fried potatoes, and carrots. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Make it creamy – Season with fish sauce and pepper. Pour in Carnation Everyday Creamer and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve – Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy with steamed rice.
Tips for Best Results
- Frying the potatoes and carrots first prevents them from breaking apart.
- Browning the chicken before simmering enhances flavor.
- Add water gradually if the sauce thickens too much.
- Adjust pineapple juice depending on how sweet you want the sauce.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
- With steamed rice – A classic pairing that balances the richness of the sauce.
- With garlic fried rice – Great for next-day leftovers.
- With crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Creamy Pininyahang Manok
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a pan. Fry potatoes and carrots until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce oil to 3 tbsp. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened.
- Add chicken and cook until it turns light brown.
- Pour in the pineapple juice and chunks. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes (add water if needed).
- Stir in bell peppers, fried potatoes, and carrots. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Season with fish sauce and pepper. Pour in Carnation Everyday Creamer and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy with steamed rice.
What Makes It Special?
What sets this dish apart from the traditional Pininyahang Manok is its creamy sauce. The pineapple brings a tangy sweetness, while the creamer makes it rich and comforting—a hearty, festive meal that’s still simple enough for everyday cooking.
Suggested Pairings
- Adobong Kangkong – Light and earthy, balances the creamy richness.
- Grilled Tuna Belly – Smoky, savory contrast.
- Cucumber Salad – Refreshing side to cleanse the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to extract juice and adjust sweetness.
What can I substitute for Carnation Everyday Creamer?
All-purpose cream or evaporated milk works, though flavor may vary.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or fresh chili while simmering.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 1282 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Fat: 109 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 227 mg
- Sodium: 199 mg
- Potassium: 922 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Vitamin A: 145% DV
- Vitamin C: 102% DV
- Calcium: 11% DV
- Iron: 17% DV
Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a Filipino classic that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a creamy sauce that will always remind you of home. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of comfort to your table.
