Description
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce, enhanced with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. This dish is easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the pineapple teriyaki sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
For the pineapple and garnish:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional sides:
- Steamed rice or cooked noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
Season the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.Make the pineapple teriyaki sauce:
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes.Thicken the sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.Add pineapple and chicken:
Toss the pineapple chunks into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat them evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, with stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pineapple teriyaki chicken, sweet and savory chicken, teriyaki sauce, quick chicken recipes, tropical flavors