Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, sweet-and-savory dish featuring juicy chicken cooked in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce with chunks of pineapple. This tropical-inspired recipe is ideal for a quick and easy dinner that feels both refreshing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic teriyaki flavors with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and is a perfect choice for both weeknight meals and meal prep. The homemade sauce is far superior to anything store-bought, offering full control over sweetness, saltiness, and spice levels.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
Fresh or canned pineapple chunks
Pineapple juice (reserved from can or fresh)
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Cornstarch
Sesame oil or vegetable oil
Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooked rice, for serving

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Add pineapple chunks to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
Pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir to coat the chicken and pineapple.
Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken for a vegetarian version
Grill the chicken and pineapple for a smoky, charred flavor
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables
Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for a different kind of sweetness
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a small splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, then thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly. Be sure to reserve the juice for the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it stores and reheats well. It’s also ideal for meal prep.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes. Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, then toss with the sauce and pineapple.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas pair very well with the sauce.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but the homemade version is more flavorful and allows better control of ingredients.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor profile is generally well-received by children.

Can I substitute the chicken with shrimp?
Yes, shrimp works well. Just reduce cooking time, as shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can reduce the sauce by simmering it longer or use arrowroot powder as an alternative thickener.

What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
Steamed rice is classic, but quinoa, noodles, or sautéed greens also pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that comes together with ease. Its simplicity, versatility, and vibrant taste make it a go-to dinner for any occasion. Whether served over rice or with vegetables, this recipe is guaranteed to bring bright flavor and comfort to your table.