There is nothing quite like the vibrant explosion of flavors in this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces glazed in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that beautifully balances sweet, salty, and tangy notes. The addition of succulent pineapple chunks provides a delightful burst of tropical sweetness that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet effortless meal to share, this recipe is sure to win hearts and palates with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in crafting a well-rounded and deeply satisfying dish. From the savory punch of soy sauce to the bright sweetness of pineapple, every component brings its own magic to the table, making the cooking process straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option, both work wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for browning the chicken evenly without sticking to the pan.
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained, juice reserved): Adds a juicy sweetness that complements the teriyaki glaze perfectly.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of this teriyaki sauce, lending depth and umami.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from can): Intensifies the pineapple flavor and helps sweeten the teriyaki sauce naturally.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Introduces a rich caramel sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides a sticky, glossy finish and natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that cuts through the richness and brightens the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds a fresh, spicy zing that harmonizes with the garlic and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a perfectly clingy consistency.
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): A toasty crunch and nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s appearance and taste.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. This blend is where the magic begins, combining sweetness, acidity, and savory flavors that will coat every bite of chicken with irresistible taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is juicy on the inside with a nice seared exterior, perfectly primed to absorb the flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Pineapple
Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the drained pineapple chunks and let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes. The pineapple warms up and infuses the sauce with its sweet, tropical flavor while the chicken soaks up the sauce’s richness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet, simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes. Watch as the sauce transforms from thin and runny to thick and glossy, perfectly coating the chicken and pineapple chunks. This step gives the dish its signature shiny appearance and a luscious texture that clings to every morsel.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and, if you like, a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add a fresh, nutty contrast that rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring this dish to life, don’t skip the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. They add vibrant green color and a slight crunch that complements the tender chicken and juicy pineapple. For an extra touch, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to deepen the aroma.
Side Dishes
Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cooked noodles, acting as a neutral canvas that soaks up the saucy goodness. For a balanced meal, include some stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy, which add delightful texture and freshness alongside the rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your serving style by plating the chicken and pineapple over a bed of coconut rice for an indulgent tropical twist. Alternatively, stuff the mixture into warm pita pockets or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld approach that’s great for gatherings. Presentation matters, and a colorful plate will make this dish even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and pineapple will keep their flavor for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe also freezes well. Portion the cooked dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring the sauce covers the chicken to protect it from drying out. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the sauce and chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra pineapple juice can help restore sauces that may thicken too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs are great for this recipe. Thighs offer richer flavor and juiciness, while breasts are leaner. Just be mindful to not overcook breasts so they remain tender and juicy.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple lends a brighter, more natural sweetness and texture, but canned pineapple works perfectly well and is convenient. Just be sure to drain the canned pineapple well and reserve the juice for the sauce to maximize flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower. Adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the delicious pineapple-teriyaki sauce as the star of the dish.
How spicy is this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe?
This recipe is naturally sweet and savory without heat. If you enjoy a bit of a kick, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce while cooking.
What can I serve it with besides rice and noodles?
Beyond rice and noodles, this dish is fantastic with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even tucked into wraps or taco shells for a unique fusion meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines ease, bold flavors, and a touch of tropical sunshine all on one plate. This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe is one of those rare meals that never fails to bring comfort and delight, whether on a busy weekday or a casual weekend dinner. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it yourself—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner that your family and friends will rave about!
Print
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
Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is a sweet and savory dish bursting with bold flavor. Juicy chicken is cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce and paired with tender pineapple chunks for the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. It’s a quick and delicious meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken and Oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful teriyaki sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Pineapple: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and bring it to a simmer. Add the drained pineapple chunks and cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet. Continue simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and pineapple.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh pineapple for canned pineapple if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- This dish works well with tofu or shrimp as alternative proteins.
