Description
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken brings tropical flavors dancing across your dinner plate with juicy chicken glazed in tangy-sweet sauce. Weeknight meals get an instant flavor boost when this simple yet impressive dish comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- ¼ cup green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Salt and pepper 4 chicken thighs thoroughly on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet at medium heat (375°F).
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- Pour ⅓ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar into the same skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Simmer sauce ingredients for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the sauce to create a glossy consistency.
- Add 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks to the skillet. Gently coat pineapple pieces in the teriyaki sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Heat for 1-2 minutes until chicken is warmed through.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the dish. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe cooking without drying out the meat.
- Drain pineapple chunks well before adding to prevent watering down the teriyaki sauce’s rich flavor.
- Consider swapping chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferring a leaner protein, but watch cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and confirm cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg