Healthy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Juicy, Sweet, and Bursting with Tropical Vibes!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured with care:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)
I set it all out and feel like I’m about to create something awesome. This makes 4 servings—great for a family meal or leftovers if I’m feeling greedy. It’s my roadmap for a fresh, flavorful dish. I always check my stash first—my trick to avoid mid-cook panics. Nothing’s worse than missing pineapple halfway through, right? Keeps me cool and pumped to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Let’s kick things off with love!—in a bowl, whisk ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Add 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces—toss to coat (my kitchen’s alive!). Let it marinate 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra flavor (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). It’s the juicy start—pure tropical promise!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high (my kitchen’s sizzling!). Pull the chicken out—save the marinade—and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and done (my excitement’s climbing!). Golden and tender—ready to shine (my counter’s set!). It’s the big sear—pure skillet joy!
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, pour the reserved marinade and add 1 cup pineapple chunks (my kitchen smells like a beach!). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (my heart’s full!). Sweet and juicy—flavor’s building (my anticipation’s soaring!). It’s the vibrant glaze—pure sticky magic!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
When it simmers, stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water—keep stirring 2-3 minutes until thick (my kitchen’s a dream!). Pull it off the heat—glossy and ready (my heart’s leaping!). It’s the dense touch—pure texture bliss!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet—mix well to coat every piece (my kitchen’s a masterpiece!). Sticky and flavorful—a taste explosion (my table’s waiting!). It’s the grand merge—pure tropical delight!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Scoop the chicken over cooked brown rice or quinoa—cozy base (my heart’s singing!). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 3 sliced green onions—color and crunch (my table’s a party!). Dig in—share or savor (my kitchen’s calm!). It’s the final flourish—pure sunny joy!