Introduction
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this delightful Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple. The sweet and savory flavors blend harmoniously in this easy-to-make dish that every family member will love.
Ingredients
500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
120ml teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
100g fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
20g fresh ginger, grated
15ml soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 20ml water (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Pour soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the tropical flavors of this delightful dish.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pineapple
Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Add Soy Sauce and Thicken
Pour soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the tropical flavors of this delightful dish.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad.
Make it Spicy
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during the cooking process.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
If you want to preserve the dish for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave on a low setting, stirring occasionally to prevent hot spots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, serve it in rice paper wraps for a lighter option or on a bed of noodles to create a noodle dish loaded with flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 23g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 8g
– Total Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 2.5g
– Sodium: 600mg
This dish is a great source of lean protein from chicken and includes beneficial vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and pineapple, making it a balanced option for a family meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and marinate similarly for flavor.
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can create a homemade version using soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. For a gluten-free option, ensure to use tamari in place of soy sauce and check that your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
Feel free to swap fresh pineapple for canned pineapple chunks (drained) or even mango for a different tropical flavor, and adjust the vegetables according to what you have on hand.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the best results.
Sautéing
Sauté garlic and ginger in olive oil to release their potent aromas. This technique adds depth and richness to the dish.
Browning
Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are nicely browned. This not only helps develop flavor through caramelization but also ensures the chicken is cooked through.
Stir-Frying
Add vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry them quickly to keep them crisp and vibrant. This technique allows for even cooking while retaining their nutrients and color.
Thickening
Using a cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce if desired. This technique creates a glossy finish and enhances the dish’s overall texture.
Garnishing
Top the finished dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to provide a contrast in texture and flavor, making the dish visually appealing as well.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts; however, they may require slight adjustments in cooking time for optimal tenderness.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which may have gluten. Look for gluten-free soy sauce or teriyaki alternatives if needed.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce or garnish with diced fresh chili peppers.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple. The delicious combination of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce makes this dish a family favorite that’s easy to prepare. It’s a flavorful addition to your meal rotation that everyone will enjoy, perfect for those busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken with Mango
Swap pineapple for fresh mango to bring a different tropical twist to your dish, balancing sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Combine teriyaki chicken with a medley of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots for a quick, colorful stir-fry that’s packed with nutrition.
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Serve the teriyaki chicken mixture in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb meal that’s perfect for snacks or light dinners.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple
For a twist on classic sweet and sour flavors, mix in pineapple with bell peppers in a delicious glaze for an additional tangy kick.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Thread marinated chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers, grill them until charred, and serve with a dipping sauce for a fun summer barbecue dish.