Description
Sticky, sweet, and irresistibly savory—this pineapple teriyaki chicken brings together the best of tropical flavor and classic Asian-style cooking. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then seared or grilled until golden and caramelized. Finished with tender, lightly charred pineapple slices and a glossy glaze, this dish feels like a vacation in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Serve it with fluffy jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or steamed veggies for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 6–8 pineapple slices (fresh or canned in juice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and 2 tbsp pineapple juice.
- Set aside ½ cup of the sauce for glazing.
- Pour remaining marinade over chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved sauce.
- In the same pan, caramelize pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Simmer reserved sauce with cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Serve chicken topped with pineapple and sauce. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use grilled pineapple.
- Coconut aminos make this gluten-free.
- Chicken breasts can be used but may require shorter cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear or Grill
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg