If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors while feeling like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. Tender chicken thighs glazed in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, bursting with the tropical brightness of juicy pineapple chunks, make every bite an exciting experience. It’s a quick and straightforward weekday dinner that feels special enough for guests, combining simple ingredients that create a mouthwatering, unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe shines because of its straightforward but impactful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the richness of the chicken thighs to the fresh zing of ginger and the natural sweetness of pineapple bringing vibrant flavor and color.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These bring juicy, tender meat that stays flavorful even during cooking.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for browning the chicken without overpowering flavors.
- Canned pineapple chunks: Adds a burst of sweetness and tropical freshness to the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty backbone and umami depth essential for teriyaki.
- Pineapple juice: Used to create a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Gives a caramel-like richness that balances out the acidity.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to brighten the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Honey: Enhances the sweetness naturally, making the sauce glossy and luscious.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce into a silky coating for the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses savory warmth that’s essential in Asian-inspired cooking.
- Grated fresh ginger: Brings zest and a slight peppery kick, balancing the sweet elements.
- Green onions: Used as a garnish for a fresh bite and pop of color.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch as garnish, perfect for finishing touch.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This blend of ingredients creates the authentic sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully and give the dish its signature flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and cook them until they are nicely browned and cooked through, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds depth of flavor through caramelization and ensures juicy, tender chicken pieces.
Step 3: Simmer with Pineapple
Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the pineapple chunks. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the pineapple softens just enough to add juicy bursts of sweetness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step transforms the sauce into a shiny, clingy glaze that beautifully coats the chicken and pineapple.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the teriyaki chicken with pineapple over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to elevate both texture and appearance.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh crunch and nutty flavor contrast that lifts the entire dish. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a subtle heat or a squeeze of lime for a fresh citrus burst.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, but for extra veggies, consider a side of stir-fried snap peas or roasted bell peppers. A crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar also adds a refreshing balance to the warm, rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe in lettuce cups for a light, handheld treat or pile it over a bed of quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. You could even make a vibrant rice bowl topped with avocado slices and pickled ginger for an Instagram-worthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover teriyaki chicken with pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. You can also microwave it covered on medium power, stirring halfway through. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Cooking times might be slightly shorter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy without worry.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli are fantastic additions. Add them in during the simmer stage so they maintain their crunch and brighten the dish’s texture and nutrition.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?
This recipe is mild by default, highlighting sweet and savory notes. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, a mix of orange juice with a splash of rice vinegar can work in a pinch. It won’t have the exact tropical taste but will keep the balance of sweetness and acidity.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation thanks to its irresistible sweetness paired with savory depth. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and satisfies cravings for comfort food with a tropical twist. I can’t wait for you to make it and watch the smiles at the dinner table!
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Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce enriched with pineapple chunks. Perfectly paired with steamed white rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this Asian-inspired main course is quick to prepare and offers a vibrant, colorful meal that balances tangy fruitiness with rich, umami notes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from can)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined to form the teriyaki sauce base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces, cooking and stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce and Pineapple: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pineapple chunks and allow everything to cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet. Continue stirring and cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency that coats the chicken nicely.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot over cooked white rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added aroma and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred for a leaner option.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas when adding pineapple for extra vegetable variety and color.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
