Introduction
If you are looking for a dish that is bursting with flavor yet simple enough to make any night of the week this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice. It combines tender chicken cooked to perfection with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh pineapple and a rich teriyaki sauce that is homemade and full of depth.
The wonderful balance between the savory soy sauce and the sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar creates a harmony that is both comforting and exciting to the palate. What makes this recipe even better is that it requires just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
The caramelized pineapple adds a tropical twist and beautiful color to the plate. Whether you serve this over fluffy steamed rice or alongside a vibrant salad this dish is sure to impress. It is also highly adaptable so you can tweak it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
In this article you will find everything you need to make this delicious Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken from scratch including ingredient lists with calories step-by-step instructions tips for customizing nutritional details and serving suggestions. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful meal that feels special yet effortless to prepare.
Ingredients Needed
For a recipe like this it is important to have fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavors. You will need chicken breasts which are lean and cook evenly. Fresh or canned pineapple chunks work well and give a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce.
Soy sauce provides the salty umami base for the teriyaki glaze while brown sugar adds the right touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. Fresh garlic and ginger add aroma and subtle heat that makes the sauce stand out.
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce creating a nice glossy coating on the chicken and pineapple. Vegetable oil is perfect for cooking the chicken without overpowering the other flavors. Optionally you can add chopped green onions and sesame seeds at the end for an attractive and tasty garnish.
Below is a helpful table outlining these ingredients with approximate calorie counts to help you keep track of your nutritional intake.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 (about 500g) | 550 |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup | 80 |
| Soy sauce | ½ cup | 60 |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | 90 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon | 5 |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | 10 |
| Water | ¼ cup | 0 |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Green onions (optional) | 2 stalks | 10 |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 50 |
This recipe serves about two to three people making it perfect for a small family dinner or a couple looking for a tasty meal.
Read More: Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast for Dinner
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is surprisingly simple and requires minimal steps but results in a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Start by preparing your teriyaki sauce in a bowl.
Combine soy sauce brown sugar minced garlic grated ginger cornstarch and water. Whisk everything well until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is evenly mixed. This mixture will turn into a glossy and flavorful sauce when cooked.
Next heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them on each side for about six to seven minutes until they develop a nice golden color and are cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink inside so use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise. Once cooked remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet add your pineapple chunks. Sauté the pineapple for a few minutes until the edges start to caramelize and become fragrant. This step is key because it brings out the pineapple’s natural sweetness and adds a lovely texture contrast.
Now pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the pineapple. Stir constantly and cook for two to three minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly with the sauce and pineapple mixture. Let it cook together for another couple of minutes so the chicken can absorb the flavors.
To finish sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top if you like. These add a nice fresh crunch and a pop of color. Serve your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken hot alongside steamed rice or your preferred side.
Read More: Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or make it more nutritious.
For example if you want more veggies in your meal consider adding bell peppers snap peas or broccoli while cooking the pineapple. These veggies add color and crunch.
If you like a little heat adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce can give it a spicy kick.
You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs which stay juicier or try tofu or shrimp if you want a different protein source.
For a gluten-free version simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and check the labels on other ingredients.
Pineapple can be replaced by other fruits like mango or peaches for a slightly different fruity flavor that still complements the sauce.
You could also try grilling the chicken and pineapple instead of cooking them in a skillet to add a smoky char that enhances the dish.
Finally for a lower carb option serve this with cauliflower rice instead of traditional steamed rice.
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutrition of the meals you cook is important for a balanced diet.
Each serving of this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken provides a great amount of protein which helps keep you full and supports muscle health. The carbohydrates mainly come from the pineapple and brown sugar but they are balanced by the savory sauce and chicken.
There is a moderate amount of fat from the vegetable oil but it is kept reasonable for a meal of this size.
Sugar content is present because of the pineapple and brown sugar so it is something to keep in mind if you are watching your sugar intake.
This dish is also relatively high in sodium due to the soy sauce, so those monitoring salt should adjust accordingly, perhaps using low-sodium soy sauce.
Overall it makes a satisfying, flavorful meal that fits well into most diets when eaten in moderation.
Here is a quick summary per serving based on three servings total:
Calories: around 310
Protein: approximately 38 grams
Carbohydrates: about 20 grams
Sugars: roughly 15 grams
Fat: close to 7 grams
Fiber: about 1.5 grams
Sodium: near 900 milligrams
Serving Suggestions
Serving Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is simple and can be as basic or fancy as you like.
The classic way is over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or white rice which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
For a healthier twist brown rice or quinoa also work beautifully and add more fiber to your meal.
If you want to keep the meal low in carbs cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute that still absorbs the sauce well.
Adding a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as broccoli carrots or snap peas will brighten the plate and boost the nutrition.
For an even lighter option serve with a crisp green salad topped with a sesame dressing that complements the Asian-inspired flavors.
You can finish the dish with garnishes like fresh cilantro leaves lime wedges or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds to enhance aroma and texture.
This recipe also pairs nicely with a light soup or miso broth to start your meal.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Conclusion
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that anyone can make at home.
Its blend of sweet and savory notes makes it a satisfying meal that is both comforting and exciting.
The recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients that are easy to find, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
You can enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at a gathering where it will surely impress your guests.
By customizing the recipe you can cater to your dietary preferences or add your favorite flavors and textures.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different fruits proteins and veggies this dish is a winner every time.
Try making Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken tonight and discover how easy it is to bring a tropical and delicious twist to your dinner table.