If you’re craving a dinner that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple is the perfect choice. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, then paired with tender pineapple chunks for a bright, tropical twist. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that tastes like your favorite takeout—only fresher and made right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple
This recipe checks all the right boxes for busy families and home cooks alike. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers bold flavor without being overpowering. The balance of salty soy sauce, warm ginger and garlic, and natural sweetness from honey and brown sugar creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. Add pineapple, and you get little bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Best of all, this dish is completely family-friendly and pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies, making it easy to customize for everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful chicken dinner, gather the following ingredients:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
These ingredients come together to form a rich, shiny teriyaki glaze that tastes far more complex than the effort required.
How to Make Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet, then pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Coat and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty glaze.
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for a veggie-packed version.
- For extra sauce, double the teriyaki mixture and simmer a bit longer.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, balanced meal.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this teriyaki glazed chicken with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also works great as a meal prep option—store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
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Easy Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, sticky, and savory Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple made in one skillet. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce with ginger, garlic, and juicy pineapple chunks—an easy family-friendly dinner that tastes better than takeout.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
2 green onions, thinly sliced (garnish)
Sesame seeds (garnish)
Instructions
1. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl until the sugar mostly dissolves.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Slowly stir into the skillet and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and thick.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze. Heat 1–2 minutes.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
For less salt, use low-sodium soy sauce.
If using canned pineapple, drain well (pineapple in juice works great).
Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a one-pan meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Pineapple is proof that a homemade dinner can be both simple and exciting. With its sweet-and-savory balance and irresistible glaze, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite for weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.