If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of tangy zest, look no further than this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional teriyaki chicken that pairs tender, juicy chicken with the tropical brightness of pineapple chunks, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also brings a vibrant pop of color and a burst of taste that will make your weeknight dinners feel special and restaurant-quality. Trust me, once you try this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe truly lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make the dish shine, whether you use fresh or pantry staples.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Thick, juicy pieces provide the perfect tender bite and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for a quick sear to lock in moisture and get that golden brown color on the chicken.
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup): Fresh or canned, they add a lively sweetness and a juicy pop that complements the savory sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): Balances salty with umami, forming the base of the teriyaki sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey or brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings the right touch of sweetness to marry perfectly with the soy sauce and pineapple.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tanginess that lightens the sauce and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used to mix with cornstarch for thickening the sauce into a silky glaze.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Acts as the thickening agent to give the sauce that glossy, clingy finish.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma that elevates the Asian-inspired vibe.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a sharp, fragrant note that enhances the savory depth.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, slightly peppery kick that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): A lovely garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): Fresh, crisp topping that brightens every bite.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
The foundation of this dish is a perfectly balanced teriyaki sauce. Start by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. This combination achieves the sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make the Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. This will be used later to thicken the sauce just right, giving it a glossy texture that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken and pineapple.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in moisture while creating a flavorful crust that will soak up the sauce superbly.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Pineapple
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir in the pineapple chunks, allowing their sweetness and tropical freshness to mingle with the warm, savory sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring frequently for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze that coats every morsel of chicken and pineapple. This step is what transforms the dish into the perfect sticky-sweet delight it’s meant to be.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top if you like a bit of crunch and color. Serve your Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and get ready to devour!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nuttiness that perfectly complement the sauce, while freshly chopped green onions lend a fresh, herbal brightness. These touches not only enhance the meal visually but also introduce exciting texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice, which soak up every bit of that delectable teriyaki glaze. For a lighter touch, serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, which add vibrant color and a fresh, crisp bite to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves to impress guests with a tropical flair. Another idea is to wrap the chicken and pineapple filling in lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held experience that’s perfect for casual dining or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken and the vibrancy of the pineapple, so you can enjoy the flavors as fresh as day one.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that pineapple texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the sauce and chicken will remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain that luscious teriyaki glaze. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken and preserve the fresh flavors of the pineapple.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe works well with either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but breasts offer a leaner option if you prefer.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor and firmer texture, which many prefer. However, canned pineapple works perfectly fine and is a convenient alternative—just be sure to drain it well to avoid thinning your sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and ensure the soy sauce is vegan-friendly. Keep the same sauce and pineapple for that tropical sweet-savory combo, and you’ll have an equally tasty plant-based version of this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe.
How sweet is the sauce? Can I adjust it?
The sauce strikes a lovely balance of sweet and savory, but you can easily adjust the honey or brown sugar amount to suit your taste. Add a bit more for sweetness or reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sugary glaze.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
For gatherings, serve the Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe buffet-style over large trays of rice with garnishes on the side. This lets guests customize their portions and toppings, keeping the experience interactive and fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the tangy sweetness of pineapple enhances the classic teriyaki flavors in this Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how wonderfully simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that delights every single time.
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
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce with juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this Asian-inspired recipe combines the richness of soy and honey with the tropical brightness of pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly to form a smooth slurry; set aside for thickening the sauce later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Pineapple: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir in the pineapple chunks so they are well incorporated with the chicken and sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and pineapple evenly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, more vibrant flavor or canned pineapple for convenience.
- For a smoky twist, grill the pineapple chunks before adding them to the skillet.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying the amounts of honey and soy sauce to your taste preference.
