Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic, combining tender, savory chicken with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple. This dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfy the craving for comfort food with an adventurous edge.

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The main flavor profile merges the rich umami of teriyaki sauce 6featuring soy, garlic, and ginger with the juicy, tangy burst of pineapple. This contrast between savory and sweet creates a vibrant and inviting palate. The sauce s sticky glaze perfectly coats the chicken, while the pineapple adds a refreshing pop that complements every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is its ease of preparation and appealing presentation. Whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop, the caramelized chicken and pineapple chunks bring a lovely glossy finish. It s an elegant yet uncomplicated meal that works well for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Recipe for Flavorful Meals

This recipe combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor, making it both practical and impressive for busy cooks. The fusion of juicy chicken and tropical pineapple ensures every bite is satisfying and fresh.

• Simple Preparation 6 Requires minimal kitchen tools and straightforward steps, perfect for quick cooking or meal prep.
• Balanced Flavors 6 Combines savory, sweet, and tangy notes for a well-rounded taste that pleases diverse palates.
• Texture Contrast 6 Offers tender, juicy chicken paired with caramelized and juicy pineapple for a delightful mouthfeel.
• Family-Friendly Appeal 6 Mild, approachable flavors that both kids and adults enjoy, suitable for casual or formal meals.
• Easy Cleanup 6 Can be cooked in one pan or sheet pan, reducing dishes and simplifying serving.

Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Delight

Quality, easily available ingredients come together to create gourmet flavors and textures in this recipe. Using fresh or pantry staples transforms simple chicken into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy meal.

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• Chicken Thighs 6 Juicy and flavorful with slightly higher fat content, perfect for tender and moist results.
• Soy Sauce 6 Brings deep umami and saltiness, the backbone of authentic teriyaki flavor.
• Fresh Pineapple 6 Adds natural sweetness, brightness, and a hint of acidity, plus tenderizes the meat.
• Ginger and Garlic 6 Essential aromatics that add warmth and pungency to the sauce.
• Honey or Brown Sugar 6 Balances salty notes with sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Cornstarch 6 Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully on chicken and pineapple pieces.
• Green Onions and Sesame Seeds 6 Fresh garnishes for color, crunch, and subtle nuttiness.

How to Cook Savory Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple

This dish comes together quickly with a few simple steps that highlight the fresh ingredients and bold flavors. You ll marinate the chicken for depth, caramelize both chicken and pineapple separately for texture, then combine everything with a glossy teriyaki glaze. The process is straightforward and perfect for delivering a dish that s both satisfying and impressive at the table.

• Marinate the Chicken 6 Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
• Prepare the Pineapple 6 Cut fresh pineapple into chunks or rings. Sear them in a hot pan until caramelized and lightly browned. This adds sweetness and pleasant texture.
• Sear the Chicken 6 In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides. Browning the chicken locks in juices and builds flavor.
• Make the Teriyaki Sauce 6 Use the marinade as a base, heat it in the pan, then whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken it. This creates a glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Combine Chicken and Pineapple 6 Add the caramelized pineapple to the pan and toss with the chicken in the thickened sauce. Let them simmer together briefly for flavors to meld.
• Garnish and Serve 6 Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving. This enhances aroma, texture, and presentation.

Perfect Sides to Pair with Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple

Serve this flavorful dish with light, fresh accompaniments that complement the sweet-savory profile. Crisp vegetables or simple grains balance the richness without overwhelming the palate.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice 6 Classic and fragrant, it absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy 6 Adds a tender, slightly crunchy vegetable side with aromatic garlic.
• Cucumber Salad 6 Refreshing and cool, it contrasts the warm, sticky chicken.
• Sesame Roasted Broccoli 6 Nutty and crisp, enhancing the dish s texture diversity.
• Soba Noodles with Scallions 6 Light and subtly nutty noodles that pair well with the glaze.
• Mango Avocado Salsa 6 Tropical and creamy, adding extra freshness and creaminess.
• Edamame Beans with Sea Salt 6 Simple, protein-rich snack side that complements the meal s flavors.

Storing and Reheating Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Leftovers

Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers tender, flavorful, and enjoyable for later meals. Follow these tips to maintain quality and prevent drying out.

• Allow the chicken and pineapple to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for storage.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying.
• Microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring halfway to evenly warm the dish.
• Freeze extra portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months without flavor loss.
• Add a splash of water, pineapple juice, or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce and keep it glossy.

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9Common Questions About Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative, but watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out. Marinate well and consider reducing cooking time slightly for best results.

Is fresh pineapple necessary, or can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is preferred for its texture and natural enzymes that tenderize the chicken. However, canned pineapple (including its juice) works fine just be mindful to include some juice in the sauce for flavor.

How long can I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge provides the best flavor penetration. Longer marinating also tenderizes the meat, especially with fresh pineapple in the mix.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining umami flavors.

What s the best way to grill the chicken and pineapple for this dish?

Grill chicken and pineapple separately over medium-high heat to get nice char marks. Combine them afterward with warmed teriyaki sauce to ensure full flavor without overcooking either component.

This teriyaki chicken and pineapple recipe is a wonderful option for anyone seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that blends savory umami with tropical sweetness. With straightforward instructions and versatile serving suggestions, it s perfect for busy weeknights or sharing at weekend dinners.

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Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple offers a delightful twist on a beloved classic, combining tender, savory chicken with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple. This dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfy the craving for comfort food with an adventurous edge.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• Large Bowl To marinate the chicken
• Large skillet or pan To sear chicken and pineapple and cook sauce
• Whisk To mix sauce and cornstarch slurry

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs juicy and flavorful, perfect for tender and moist results
• 1/4 cup soy sauce brings deep umami and saltiness, backbone of authentic teriyaki flavor
• 1 cup fresh pineapple cut into chunks or rings; adds natural sweetness and brightness
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger essential aromatic that adds warmth
• 2 cloves garlic minced, essential aromatic that adds pungency
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar balances salty notes with sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch thickens the sauce to cling beautifully on chicken and pineapple pieces
• 2 tablespoons water to make cornstarch slurry for thickening sauce
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions fresh garnish for color and crunch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds fresh garnish for subtle nuttiness

Instructions

 

• Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
• Cut fresh pineapple into chunks or rings. Sear them in a hot pan until caramelized and lightly browned to add sweetness and pleasant texture.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides. Browning the chicken locks in juices and builds flavor.
• Use the marinade as a base, heat it in the pan, then whisk in cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch and water to thicken it. This creates a glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Add the caramelized pineapple to the pan and toss with the chicken in the thickened sauce. Let them simmer together briefly for flavors to meld.
• Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving to enhance aroma, texture, and presentation.

Notes

• Use fresh or canned pineapple (with juice) – fresh preferred for texture and tenderizing enzymes.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes up to overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Grill chicken and pineapple separately over medium-high heat for nice char marks, then combine with warmed sauce.
• Reheat leftovers in oven covered with foil or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of liquid to maintain sauce texture.

Keyword easy teriyaki recipe, pineapple chicken, savory sweet chicken, teriyaki chicken

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!