Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

These Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken teriyaki with the sweet, tropical taste of pineapple. Served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell, this dish looks as amazing as it tastes, making it perfect for a special dinner or a fun weeknight meal. The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and juicy pineapple, creating a refreshing and filling dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of tropical flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite! The combination of juicy chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and sweet pineapple is incredibly satisfying and perfectly balanced. Plus, serving the dish in a pineapple bowl gives it a unique, fun presentation that will wow your guests. It’s an easy, one-pan meal with an exotic twist that you can enjoy any day of the week!

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the pineapple or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 large pineapple (for bowls)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the pineapple: Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the flesh from both halves, leaving about 1/2 inch of pineapple along the edges to form bowls. Set the pineapple shells aside, and cut the pineapple flesh into small chunks. Set aside for later.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes.
3. Make the teriyaki sauce: In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. Stir well to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce and simmer until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Combine chicken and pineapple: Add the chopped pineapple chunks to the skillet with the teriyaki sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm through and soak up the sauce. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce.
5. Assemble the bowls: Scoop a serving of cooked rice into each pineapple shell. Spoon the chicken and teriyaki mixture over the rice, filling the pineapple bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
6. Serve immediately, and enjoy your tropical-inspired meal!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 large pineapple bowls (2 servings)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: For more flavor and tenderness, you can swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Add Veggies: You can toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas with the chicken for added texture and color.
• Make It Spicy: If you prefer a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
• Swap Pineapple for Mango: For a tropical twist, you can substitute the pineapple with diced mango for a different fruity flavor.
• Make It Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, skip the rice and serve the chicken mixture in the pineapple bowls alone or with cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and pineapple mixture in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating on the stove, add a little extra pineapple juice or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for a quicker version of this dish. Just heat it through in the sauce.

2. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works fine, just make sure to drain it before adding it to the sauce. Fresh pineapple will give you a slightly fresher, more vibrant flavor, though.

3. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

If you want a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste of the chicken before adding the teriyaki sauce.

4. Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Yes! You can make a homemade teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Just simmer the ingredients until thickened.

5. Can I prepare the pineapple bowls ahead of time?

You can prepare the pineapple bowls ahead of time by cutting the pineapple and scooping out the flesh, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to keep the bowls fresh.

6. Can I use another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

7. How do I prevent the pineapple bowls from getting soggy?

To prevent the pineapple from becoming soggy, make sure to cut out the flesh carefully, leaving enough pineapple at the edges to hold its shape. Also, avoid overfilling the bowls with too much sauce.

8. Can I make this a vegan dish?

Yes, use tofu instead of chicken and substitute the teriyaki sauce with a plant-based version. Just make sure the soy sauce is vegan-friendly (some may contain fish products).

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the chicken and teriyaki mixture can be frozen, it’s best not to freeze the pineapple bowls themselves as they may get soggy. Store the filling in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

10. Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Definitely! You can add other fruits like mango, papaya, or even oranges for a different tropical twist to the dish.

Conclusion

These Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls are a deliciously unique and fun way to enjoy chicken teriyaki. The sweet, tangy flavors of the pineapple complement the savory chicken and teriyaki sauce perfectly, and serving them in a pineapple bowl makes the dish feel extra special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a fresh take on dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Print