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Flavorful Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

pineapple teriyaki chicken bowls - featured image

These pineapple teriyaki chicken bowls combine juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, served over rice and garnished with fresh veggies. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup pineapple juice, preferably fresh
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Start cooking the rice according to package instructions so it’s ready when the chicken is done.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
  5. Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze consistency, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks to the glaze to warm them without losing texture.
  7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet or a large bowl. Pour the pineapple teriyaki glaze over the chicken and gently toss to coat every piece. Heat together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Divide cooked rice into bowls, top with pineapple teriyaki chicken, steamed veggies, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken. Whisk cornstarch slurry gradually into the sauce to prevent lumps. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen. For extra flavor, marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple teriyaki chicken, chicken bowls, sweet and tangy chicken, easy weeknight dinner, teriyaki glaze, pineapple chicken recipe