Description
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken glazed in a luscious teriyaki sauce and bright tropical pineapple chunks. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a colorful and appetizing meal that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Additions
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable or neutral oil (for cooking)
Garnishes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl, stirring well until the sugar dissolves. This vibrant marinade is the key to that irresistible teriyaki flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak in the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Pineapple and Sauce: Once the chicken is nearly done, add pineapple chunks to the skillet. Pour the reserved marinade over everything and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and pineapple beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving to add fresh color and a subtle crunch.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness as dark meat stays moist and tender better than breasts.
- Don’t skip marinating; allow enough time for the chicken to soak in all the flavors.
- Always bring the leftover marinade to a boil if adding directly to cooked meat for safety.
- Add pineapple toward the end to keep it juicy and prevent overcooking.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting the sauce and tweaking sugar or soy sauce levels as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Teriyaki chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish, gluten free teriyaki
