If you’re looking for a fast and flavorful dinner idea, this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. Tender chicken is cooked until juicy, then coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce with sweet pineapple chunks for the ultimate balance of savory and tropical flavor. It’s a family-friendly meal that tastes like takeout but is made fresh in your own kitchen.
One of the best things about this easy pineapple chicken recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just about 35 minutes, you can have a complete dinner on the table that feels special without requiring hours of prep. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal everyone will love.
The pineapple adds natural sweetness while helping create that irresistible glossy sauce. Combined with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, the result is a bold and delicious teriyaki flavor that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and colorful vegetables like bell peppers. It’s a simple dish with restaurant-quality flavor.
Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner, meal prep recipe, or something new to add to your rotation, this homemade Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is always a winner. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite once you try it.
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Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze with tender pineapple chunks. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect served over rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Add-Ins:
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add Vegetables:
Add sliced bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
Pour in Sauce:
Add the prepared sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Thicken Sauce:
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into skillet and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Finish Dish:
Stir in pineapple chunks and cook another 2 minutes until heated through.
Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
- Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pineapple—add near the end so it stays firm.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Vegetable Loaded: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
- Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice.
- Grilled Option: Grill chicken first, then toss in sauce.
- Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients except cornstarch slurry and cook on low 4 hours, then thicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
