Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice is a delicious and fun meal that combines sweet and savory flavors. The juicy chicken cooked in a tasty teriyaki sauce and served in a pineapple boat makes it visually appealing. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for both family dinners and gatherings!

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium pineapple with 1 cup of pineapple chunks reserved
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, olive oil, etc.)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks from the pineapple boats
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 3 Tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cooked rice (brown rice or white rice)
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
  2. Slice the pineapple in half vertically to create boats and scoop out the chunks for the sauce.
  3. In a blender, combine 1 cup of pineapple chunks (including core), soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger powder, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Blend until smooth.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan, add chicken pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
  5. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the blended sauce and heat until it thickens.
  7. Add cooked chicken back to the pan and mix well.
  8. Scoop cooked rice into each pineapple boat, top with teriyaki chicken, and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy.

How to Serve Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice directly in the pineapple boats for a fun presentation. This dish is great as a main course and can be paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

To store leftovers, place the teriyaki chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving again.

Tips to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

  • Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variation

You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option. You can also make it spicy by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks if fresh pineapple is not available. Just be sure to drain them well before use.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Cook the rice fresh before serving for the best texture.