Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – A Sweet and Savory Delight

Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory pineapple teriyaki sauce that bursts with flavor in every bite. This Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect combination of tangy pineapple and rich teriyaki, making it a must-try dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Flavor Explosion: The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Easy to Make: Quick prep and simple ingredients make this dish ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Family-Friendly: The sweetness from the pineapple makes this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken (Serves 4-6)

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking
1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can or fresh)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

1. Prepare the Sauce

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

Add Pineapple Chunks: In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they start to caramelize slightly.
Pour in Sauce: Add the prepared teriyaki sauce to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve

Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sticky pineapple teriyaki sauce until well coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

5. Serve

Serve the Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor, but ground versions can be used in a pinch.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Grilled Version: Marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill it for a smoky, charred flavor. Brush with extra sauce as it cooks.
Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this delicious dish.

Storing & Reheating Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

Why This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite

This Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and sticky teriyaki sauce is a match made in heaven. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Share Your Creation! 🍍🍗

Did you make this Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken? Tag @FebkamCooking on social media and show us your delicious creations! We’d love to see how it turned out.