Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that combines juicy chicken thighs with sweet pineapple and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even summer cookouts, this dish offers a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The best part is that you can bake it in the oven or grill it outdoors, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6 pineapple rings
• 3 green onions, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (optional):

• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 green onion, minced

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce – Combine all teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside half the sauce for later and refrigerate.
2. Marinate the Chicken – Place chicken in a bowl or bag with the remaining sauce and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Thicken the Sauce – Simmer the reserved sauce in a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add gradually until the sauce thickens.
4. To Bake
   • Preheat oven to 425°F.
   • Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
   • Arrange chicken, pineapple rings, and green onions in a 9×13 baking dish.
   • Pour thickened sauce over the top.
   • Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
   • Broil for 3–5 minutes for a golden finish.
5. To Grill
   • Preheat grill to medium heat.
   • Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with thickened sauce.
   • Grill pineapple slices for about 5 minutes until lightly caramelized.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Ideas: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. Add stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to balance the flavors. Serve with a light Asian-style cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without pineapple) for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.

Variations

1. Hawaiian Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Add red and green bell peppers along with pineapple for a colorful Hawaiian-style twist. Serve with coconut rice to make it extra tropical.
2. Sheet Pan Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Arrange chicken, pineapple, and mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas on a sheet pan. Roast everything together for an easy one-pan meal.
3. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Tacos – Shred the cooked chicken, stuff it into warm tortillas, and top with fresh pineapple salsa, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
4. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Wraps – Wrap grilled chicken and pineapple in flatbread with lettuce, cucumber, and teriyaki mayo for a quick grab-and-go lunch.
5. Instant Pot Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Place chicken, pineapple, and sauce in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then shred or serve whole with rice.
6. Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Pizza – Use shredded teriyaki chicken and pineapple as toppings for a homemade pizza with mozzarella and red onion for a sweet-savory delight.
7. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Serve diced chicken and pineapple in crisp lettuce cups topped with sesame seeds for a lighter, low-carb option.
8. Crispy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Bread the chicken thighs, pan-fry them until crispy, then drizzle with teriyaki sauce and serve with grilled pineapple.
9. Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Sliders – Shred the chicken and pile onto slider buns with pineapple chunks and coleslaw for a fun party appetizer.
10. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice – Dice cooked chicken and pineapple, toss them into fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for a full meal in one pan.
11. Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs – Swap chicken thighs for ground chicken. Mix with breadcrumbs, garlic, and egg to form meatballs, then bake and coat with pineapple teriyaki glaze.
12. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs – Alternate chicken, pineapple, onion, and bell peppers on skewers. Grill or bake for a fun party presentation.
13. Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Pulled Chicken – Shred the chicken after slow cooking with pineapple and teriyaki sauce, then use it for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls.
14. Creamy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Stir a little coconut milk into the sauce at the end of cooking for a creamy, tropical-flavored twist.
15. Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Salsa – Instead of cooking the pineapple, make a fresh salsa with diced pineapple, cilantro, red onion, and lime juice. Spoon over grilled teriyaki chicken for brightness.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.

2. Do I have to marinate overnight?
No, but marinating for at least 4 hours gives the best flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance or cook it fully and store for reheating later.

4. What side dishes go best with Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken?
Rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad complement it well.

5. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple rings work perfectly if fresh isn’t available.

6. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

7. Can I grill this without a barbecue?
Yes, use a stovetop grill pan or even broil in the oven for similar results.

8. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Do not overcook—remove when it reaches 165°F. Thighs are more forgiving than breasts.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just double all ingredients and cook in batches if grilling or use a larger pan for baking.

10. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish that delivers the perfect mix of sweet and savory in every bite. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with caramelized pineapple and tangy teriyaki glaze, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. Serve it with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. Whether baked in the oven or cooked on the grill, this recipe is simple, versatile, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Print