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If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and bursting with tropical vibes, let me introduce you to the One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe. This dish is all about simplicity and vibrant flavors coming together in one skillet, blending juicy chicken breasts with caramelized pineapple chunks, a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, and just the right hint of spice. It’s a meal that feels special, yet is effortlessly easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something impressive but fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe plays a starring role, from the tender chicken providing satisfying protein to the pineapple delivering that sweet punch that keeps everything fresh and bright. The combination of spices and sauces brings balance and depth, creating a harmony you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Olive oil: A high-quality olive oil helps to sear the chicken beautifully while adding subtle richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and remain juicy, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned, these add a caramelized sweetness that’s essential to the dish.
- Teriyaki sauce: The base for your sauce, giving that classic salty-sweet umami character.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that enhances the pineapple and balances the soy.
- Soy sauce: Boosts the savory notes and helps deepen the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic garlic richness.
- Ginger powder: Offers just the right hint of spice and freshness without overwhelming.
- Black pepper: Provides a mild heat to awaken the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick, perfect if you like a touch of heat.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the teriyaki sauce to a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry, ensuring your sauce isn’t lumpy.
- Green onions: Bright, fresh, and crunchy, these are for garnish and a lovely textural contrast.
- Sesame seeds: Optional but highly recommended for a nutty crunch and an attractive presentation.
How to Make One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Skillet and Sear the Chicken
First, warm the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, gently add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. This step locks in the juices and ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce Mixture
While the chicken is happily cooking, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mixture is where your sauce’s magic happens, balancing sweet, savory, and a hint of spice.
Step 3: Remove Chicken and Sauté Pineapple
Take the cooked chicken out and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the pineapple chunks. Stir them around for a couple of minutes, letting the natural sugars caramelize slightly. This adds an irresistible depth of flavor and a little caramel crunch.
Step 4: Bring the Sauce to Life
Pour your teriyaki sauce mixture over the caramelized pineapple and bring it to a gentle simmer on medium heat. This is where the pineapple and sauce marry beautifully, thickening up and infusing the pan with irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious glaze, perfect for coating every bite of chicken.
Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce and Pineapple
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon that thick, glossy sauce and pineapple mixture over them. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak in that extra saucy goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top for color and crunch. If you like, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finish and that signature look. Your One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top not only freshens up the dish but also adds a satisfying slight crunch and visual appeal that make every bite feel like a celebration. Feel free to toss on some chopped cilantro for an herbaceous twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or steamed green veggies like bok choy or snap peas to complement the sweetness with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve your One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe in pineapple boat halves or on a bed of coconut rice. It’s an easy way to bring island flair to your table and wow your guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next time around.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce can help keep things moist and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They stay extra juicy and add a bit more richness to the dish.
Do I need fresh pineapple for this recipe?
Nope. While fresh pineapple adds a nice brightness, canned pineapple chunks work just as well and are a great time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less, or omitting them entirely for a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch. Alternatively, a reduction technique by simmering the sauce longer can help it thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is more than a meal; it’s a flavor-packed, fuss-free joy that you’ll want to make again and again. Easy to throw together with simple ingredients, it feels special every time you serve it. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the sweet and savory magic that this recipe effortlessly delivers.
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Print
One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This One-Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal that’s easy to make in just one skillet. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce with caramelized pineapple chunks, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Additional
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Remove the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Caramelize the pineapple: In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly caramelized.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with pineapple and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the pineapple and sauce over the top.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Add garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions over the chicken.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot with the pineapple and sauce spooned over each portion.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of teriyaki sauce before cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple if possible for the best taste, but canned pineapple chunks will also work.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
