If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, look no further than this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. This vibrant and flavorful meal brings together tender chicken breasts with a luscious pineapple teriyaki glaze that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible. With every bite, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of juicy pineapple chunks, a hint of ginger and garlic, and a sauce so glossy and rich that it practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to quickly become one of your favorites to turn to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating an unforgettable Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth to the sauce, bringing brightness to the plate, or ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken while keeping it juicy.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings the classic salty umami base to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Adds a naturally sweet, fruity tang that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enriches the sauce with a sticky sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Provides warmth and a fresh kick to each bite.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Builds savory depth and aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild heat component to complement the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, toasted aroma just before serving.
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped: Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and texture contrast.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Combined with water, it thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a crunchy garnish and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get that perfect sear. While the skillet heats, season your chicken breasts generously on both sides with black pepper. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken in and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This initial sear locks in moisture and forms a beautiful crust that’s essential for flavor.
Step 2: Remove Chicken and Begin the Sauce
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and prepare to build the signature pineapple teriyaki sauce right in the same skillet. This step ensures you’ll capture all those flavorful brown bits, known as fond, left behind by the chicken.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Add soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them together while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes so the sugar can dissolve and the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a shiny, luscious glaze that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Add Pineapple and Return Chicken
Stir in the fresh chopped pineapple to the thickened sauce, allowing their natural sweetness and texture to shine. Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning generous amounts of sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, enabling the chicken to soak up the vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and sauce, stirring gently to combine the nutty aroma throughout. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the chicken to serving plates. For extra color and crunch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. And just like that, your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is ready for the table!
How to Serve Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions add wonderful texture and a pop of color to the dish. These final touches brighten everything up visually and elevate each bite with subtle layers of flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw to add freshness and vibrant greens to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe over a bed of fluffy coconut rice for a tropical flair that complements the pineapple taste. You might also present the chicken sliced atop a fresh green salad dressed lightly with sesame oil and rice vinegar, turning it into a delightful warm main course salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce is cooled before storing to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you want to prep in advance. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or additional pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but watch the chicken carefully to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering more fat and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and juicy.
Is fresh pineapple necessary for the recipe?
While fresh pineapple adds the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple chunks work well too. Just be sure to drain excess juice to avoid thinning the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising the flavor.
How spicy is this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and sweet, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer some heat with your teriyaki.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready, reheat it gently before adding the cooked chicken to combine everything.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Its incredible blend of sweetness and savory notes, combined with juicy chicken and fresh pineapple, makes every meal exciting and comforting at the same time. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones because this recipe truly has that special “wow” factor that brings people back to the table with smiles. Happy cooking!
Print
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a savory and sweet homemade teriyaki sauce with fresh pineapple chunks. This flavorful dish combines soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ginger for a tropical twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Thickener
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Mix-ins and Garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season chicken: While the skillet heats up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper to add basic flavor.
- Cook chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F, developing a nice sear.
- Remove chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Reduce heat and prepare sauce base: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet to prepare the sauce without burning.
- Add sauce ingredients: Add soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic into the skillet.
- Combine sauce: Stir the mixture well, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Simmer sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes so the sugar dissolves and it thickens slightly.
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together to create a smooth slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Add slurry to sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken sauce: Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, thick consistency.
- Add pineapple: Stir in the chopped fresh pineapple to incorporate sweetness and texture into the sauce.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat thoroughly.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and sauce and stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer chicken to serving plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added crunch and color.
- Accompany: Serve the pineapple teriyaki chicken with rice or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- The fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and texture—canned pineapple can be used as a substitute but drain excess juice.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey according to taste.
- Sesame seeds and green onions are optional but add nice texture and visual appeal.
- Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce at the end helps it soak up the flavors for a tastier dish.
