My grandma used to make teriyaki chicken every summer for our family barbecues. I can still smell the sweet and savory aroma wafting from the grill, a scent that instantly takes me back to those sunny days. She always made it with a special touch, and I’ve been trying to recreate her recipe ever since.
This teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl recipe feels like a direct descendent of her original. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the savory teriyaki sauce is just perfect! And if you’re looking for another easy weeknight dinner, you should absolutely try this copycat Chick-fil-A mac and recipe.
Why you’ll love this Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bowls with Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple
- This teriyaki chicken pineapple recipe is incredibly flavorful, blending sweet and savory notes for a truly satisfying meal.
- It’s a visually stunning dish, perfect for impressing guests or simply making your weeknight dinner feel a little more special. The pineapple bowls add a fun, tropical touch!
- The recipe is customizable. You can easily adjust the amount of vegetables or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Clean-up is a breeze! Serving the teriyaki chicken in pineapple bowls eliminates the need for extra plates.
- It’s a healthy and balanced meal, packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
- This teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl is a great way to use fresh pineapple and enjoy a taste of summer any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large pineapple, halved lengthwise and flesh scooped out, reserving the shells
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Teriyaki chicken pineapple makes every moment feel satisfying. Prepare the pineapple bowls by carefully scooping out the flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of pineapple attached to the rind. Cut the scooped-out pineapple into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder. This is your flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. Add the slurry to the teriyaki sauce and whisk to combine.
Step 4
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain some crunch.
Step 7
Fill each pineapple bowl with cooked rice. Top with the teriyaki chicken and pineapple mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical teriyaki chicken pineapple creation!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to add some heat? Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce. For a smoky flavor, grill the pineapple bowls for a few minutes before filling them. This adds a delicious charred taste to the pineapple.
Consider adding other vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots to the mix. Tofu can be substituted for the chicken for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
You could also use different types of rice. Brown rice or quinoa would be healthy alternatives to jasmine or basmati rice. For a sweeter dish, try adding a bit more honey to the teriyaki sauce.
Pairings
This teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl pairs perfectly with a light and refreshing salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a great complement. Edamame is another excellent side dish. Its slightly salty flavor balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of stir-fried noodles. The noodles will soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. A side of grilled asparagus would also be a flavorful addition.
If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, try an iced green tea or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. These drinks will cleanse your palate between bites. A light-bodied white grape juice, such as a Pinot Grigio, would also pair well.
Serving ideas
For a casual gathering, set up a DIY bowl station. Provide all the ingredients separately and let your guests assemble their own bowls. This is a fun and interactive way to serve the dish. Consider adding extra toppings like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or chopped peanuts.
To elevate the presentation, use edible flowers as a garnish. These add a pop of color and elegance to the dish. You can also serve the bowls on a bed of lettuce leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
For a summer party, serve the teriyaki chicken and pineapple bowls outdoors. The tropical flavors and vibrant colors are perfect for a warm-weather celebration. You could even add some tiki torches and string lights to create a festive atmosphere.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover chicken and pineapple mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. It’s best to store the rice separately to prevent it from becoming soggy.
The pineapple bowls can also be stored in the refrigerator, but they are best used within 1-2 days. The pineapple may start to dry out if stored for longer. It’s not recommended to freeze the pineapple bowls as they will lose their texture.
Freezing the teriyaki chicken and pineapple mixture is possible, but the texture of the pineapple may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the dish. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers.
The rice can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the rice before serving. The pineapple bowls can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
For a quick weeknight dinner, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. You can even marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor.
Common mistakes when making Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bowls
- Overcooking the chicken can result in dry and tough meat. Be sure to cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Not thickening the sauce properly can lead to a watery dish. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook until it has thickened. If the sauce is still too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry.
- Using unripe pineapple can result in a sour and unpleasant flavor. Choose a pineapple that is ripe and fragrant. The pineapple should also be slightly soft to the touch.
- Adding too much soy sauce can make the dish too salty. Start with 1/4 cup of soy sauce and adjust to taste. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
- Not garnishing the dish can make it look unappealing. Sesame seeds and chopped green onions add a pop of color and flavor to the teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls.
Final notes
This Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bowl recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the vibrant colors to the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and pairings to create your own unique version of this recipe. Get creative with the presentation and have fun with it!
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. You won’t regret it!
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Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bowls
Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken served in a fresh pineapple bowl. This recipe is a delicious and visually stunning meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large pineapple, halved lengthwise and flesh scooped out, reserving the shells
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple bowls by carefully scooping out the flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of pineapple attached to the rind. Cut the scooped-out pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the teriyaki sauce and whisk to combine.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Fill each pineapple bowl with cooked rice. Top with the teriyaki chicken and pineapple mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce. You can also grill the pineapple bowls for a smoky flavor. Store leftover chicken and pineapple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg