Creamy Pininyahang Manok – Panlasang Pinoy

Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a Filipino chicken dish made rich and flavorful with pineapple, vegetables, and creamer. The perfect comfort food to enjoy with hot steamed rice.

When I first learned how to make creamy pininyahang manok, it quickly became one of my family’s favorite comfort meals. The balance of sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and creamy sauce is something that always reminds me of home. This dish never fails to bring warmth to the table.

What is Creamy Pininyahang Manok?

Creamy Pininyahang Manok is a classic Filipino chicken stew simmered in pineapple juice and finished with creamy milk or creamer. The dish highlights the sweetness of pineapple blended with the savoriness of chicken and vegetables. The addition of creamer gives it a smooth, rich texture that makes it different from the traditional pininyahang manok cooked without dairy. This creamy version is especially popular for family gatherings because of its comforting taste and appealing presentation.

Ingredients for Creamy Pininyahang Manok

• Chicken – cut into serving pieces; this is the main protein that absorbs the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
• Canned pineapple chunks – add sweetness and a refreshing tropical flavor while providing the juice for simmering.
• Potatoes – diced; provide body and heartiness to the stew.
• Carrots – cut into wedges; bring color and natural sweetness.
• Red bell pepper – sliced; adds vibrancy and a mild sweetness.
• Green bell pepper – sliced; balances the sweetness with a fresh flavor.
• Carnation Everyday Creamer – 200 ml; creates the creamy and rich sauce that makes this version special.
• Tomatoes – chopped; add acidity to balance the creaminess.
• Onion – thinly sliced; provides a savory aroma and base flavor.
• Garlic – minced; enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fish sauce and ground black pepper – used for seasoning to achieve the right balance of saltiness and spice.
• Cooking oil – used for frying and sautéing the vegetables and chicken.

How to Cook Creamy Pininyahang Manok

1. Fry the vegetables: Heat oil in a pan. Fry the potatoes and carrots until they start to brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce the oil to 3 tablespoons. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened.
3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn light brown.
4. Simmer with pineapple: Pour in the juice from the canned pineapple together with the pineapple chunks. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add water if needed.
5. Add vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers, fried potatoes, and carrots. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Make it creamy: Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper. Pour in the Carnation Everyday Creamer. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.

Best Ways to Enjoy Creamy Pininyahang Manok

This dish is best enjoyed hot, served with freshly steamed white rice. It also pairs well with garlic fried rice for breakfast leftovers. Because of its creamy sauce, it works well with crusty bread too, which you can use to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

What Makes This Dish Stand Out

What makes creamy pininyahang manok stand out from the classic version is its smooth, velvety sauce. The pineapple alone gives a sweet and tangy taste, but when combined with creamer, it creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and creamy. It is a great dish to prepare when you want something festive yet simple enough for everyday meals.

What to Have with It

• Adobong Kangkong – A simple yet flavorful vegetable dish made with water spinach cooked in vinegar and soy sauce. It balances the richness of the main dish with its light and earthy taste.
• Grilled Tuna Belly – Perfectly seasoned and smoky, this grilled seafood adds a savory depth and makes a hearty pairing.
• Healthy Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and crisp, this salad brings a cool contrast to heavier meals while cleansing the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure to extract the juice and adjust the sweetness accordingly.

What can I substitute for Carnation Everyday Creamer?
You can use all purpose cream or evaporated milk, but the taste and texture may vary.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook it as usual, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Is it possible to make it spicier?
Definitely. Add sliced chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes while simmering.

Creamy Pininyahang Manok is one of those dishes that never fails to impress both family and guests. The sweetness of pineapple mixed with the creaminess of the sauce creates a hearty meal that truly embodies Filipino home cooking. Try this recipe in your kitchen, serve it with rice, and let it bring a taste of comfort to your table.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

Creamy Pininyahang Manok

Creamy Pininyahang Manok is tender chicken cooked with pineapple and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting Filipino dish is best served with rice.

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 45 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour

Instructions

• Heat oil in a pan. Fry the potatoes and carrots until they start to brown. Remove and set aside.

  2 medium potatoes, 2 medium carrots

• Reduce the oil to 3 tablespoons. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until softened.

  2 tablespoons garlic, 1 piece onion, 2 pieces tomatoes

• Add the chicken. Cook until it turns light brown.

  2 lbs chicken

• Pour in the pineapple juice from the canned pineapple along with the pineapple chunks. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add water if needed.

  20 ounces pineapple chunks

• Add the bell peppers, fried potatoes, and carrots. Simmer for 3 minutes.

  1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 2 medium potatoes, 2 medium carrots

• Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper. Pour in the Carnation Everyday Creamer. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.

  fish sauce and ground black pepper, 200 ml Carnation Everyday Creamer

• Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 1282kcal (64%) Carbohydrates: 33g (11%) Protein: 46g (92%) Fat: 109g (168%) Saturated Fat: 26g (130%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g Monounsaturated Fat: 54g Trans Fat: 0.4g Cholesterol: 227mg (76%) Sodium: 199mg (8%) Potassium: 922mg (26%) Fiber: 4g (16%) Sugar: 26g (29%) Vitamin A: 7270IU (145%) Vitamin C: 84mg (102%) Calcium: 110mg (11%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

© copyright: Vanjo Merano