Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner? Look no further! This chicken teriyaki recipe with pineapple is your answer. It's bursting with sweet and savory flavors, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade teriyaki, a dish that’s both satisfying and remarkably simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. This is your teriyaki marinade!
Marinate the chicken:
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the pineapple:
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through and slightly softened.
Thicken the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, add a little more honey. For a more savory sauce, reduce the honey and add a touch more soy sauce.
- Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger provides a much brighter and more intense flavor than ground ginger.
Variations:
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas along with the pineapple.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Protein swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or steak.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe with pineapple is a fantastic option for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce creates a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish – a perfect example of how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy and incredibly tasty!