Description: This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers a sweet, savory, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce, resulting in a sticky, glossy glaze that’s simply irresistible. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying dinner. Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 ounces teriyaki sauce (low sodium preferred, adjust salt to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced onion (fresh or dehydrated)
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- Additional teriyaki glaze, for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, pineapple chunks.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken breasts into even, 1-inch cubes. Ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size promotes even cooking. Place the diced chicken in a large skillet or shallow stockpot. A skillet with high sides works well to prevent splattering during the cooking process.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, packed light brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, minced onion, granulated garlic powder, honey, and mustard powder. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and homogenous. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared pineapple teriyaki sauce over the diced chicken in the skillet. Make sure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the sauce, ensuring they cook evenly and absorb the flavorful marinade. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the chicken and sauce together, coating each piece thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken: Place the skillet over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Cook the chicken, stirring and turning it frequently, for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Step 5: Reduce the Sauce to a Glaze: As the chicken cooks, the liquid will begin to reduce. Continue to cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. This process usually takes another 10-15 minutes. The glaze should cling to the chicken pieces, creating a beautiful, sticky coating. Be careful not to burn the sauce, which can happen if the heat is too high or the stirring is infrequent. If the sauce starts to thicken too quickly, reduce the heat further.
Step 6: Serve the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken immediately over a bed of hot, fluffy cooked rice. Drizzle additional teriyaki glaze (if desired) over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor and shine. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and/or pineapple chunks for added visual appeal and flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques. The ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets, making it a convenient choice for a weeknight meal. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki sauce, and the depth of flavor from the garlic, honey, and mustard powder creates a perfectly balanced and delicious taste profile. The glossy, sticky glaze is visually appealing and adds a delightful texture to the dish. Finally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a healthier and more colorful meal. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and pineapple chunks.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp salad.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with sriracha.
- Serve alongside egg rolls or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Create a complete meal by adding chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Tips:
- For best results, use fresh pineapple juice if available. Canned pineapple juice works well too.
- Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tanginess.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
- To prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet, use a non-stick skillet or coat the skillet with cooking spray before adding the chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on serving size and rice)
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on teriyaki sauce used)
Conclusion:
This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a winning combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. The sweet and savory glaze complements the tender chicken perfectly, making it a dish that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and additions to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during cooking. Just make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into similar-sized cubes as you would with chicken breasts. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so be sure to check for doneness.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Place the diced chicken and the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. In the last 30 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to allow the sauce to thicken. If the sauce is still too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry before serving.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not automatically gluten-free, as traditional teriyaki sauce usually contains soy sauce, which has wheat. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce alternative, such as tamari or a specifically labeled gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free, especially the mustard powder and any optional additions.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some excellent choices include bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), broccoli florets, snap peas, onions, and pineapple chunks. Add the vegetables to the skillet during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time, allowing them to become tender-crisp.
Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: There are several ways to add a spicy kick to this Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. Another option is to garnish the finished dish with sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of chili oil. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
