Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken

This Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with juicy chicken, tender pineapple, and colorful bell peppers coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, cook the onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the pineapple chunks.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
8. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
9. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened.
10. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
11. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips

• Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts also work well.
• Fresh pineapple adds a bright, sweet flavor, while canned pineapple is a convenient option.
• Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables.
• For a spicy version, stir in 1 teaspoon sriracha or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Fried rice
• Lo mein noodles
• Cauliflower rice
• Stir-fried vegetables

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 390 calories per serving