Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce come together in the perfect harmony of flavors in this easy, baked dinner recipe. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or looking for a quick family meal, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to make baked pineapple teriyaki chicken, tips for customizing the dish, and how to pair it with the perfect sides to create a complete meal.
Why Everyone Loves Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Pineapple teriyaki chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory, making it a hit for almost any palate. The tanginess of the pineapple is balanced beautifully by the umami-packed teriyaki sauce, while the chicken remains tender and juicy thanks to the baking process.
What’s more, it’s a versatile recipe that works with drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, and it’s ideal for prepping ahead. Plus, it’s all made in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
For the Chicken & Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned pineapple works too)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Follow these steps to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal without breaking a sweat.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat while you prep the ingredients. Using a preheated oven ensures your chicken bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Lay the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Arrange pineapple chunks around and on top of the chicken.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple. Ensure the chicken is generously coated.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the chicken with plenty of sauce drizzled over your favorite side dishes (more on those below).
Tips to Elevate Your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
- Customize Your Protein: While chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, this recipe also works well with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even chicken wings.
- Go Extra Pineapple-y: Use pineapple juice in the teriyaki sauce for an additional flavor boost.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 2–4 hours before baking for an even richer taste.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, toss in some chopped bell peppers or snap peas to bake alongside the chicken.
The Perfect Pairings
Wondering what to serve with baked pineapple teriyaki chicken? Here are some ideas to round out your meal and make it feel restaurant-worthy.
Sides:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice - A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable Stir Fry - Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas sautéed with a touch of soy sauce and garlic are a great match.
- Coconut Rice - For an extra touch of sweetness, cook your rice with coconut milk.
- Roasted Vegetables - Try roasting asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers to add some color and balance the sweet and savory flavors.
Drinks:
- Green Tea - A subtle and refreshing companion to the rich teriyaki glaze.
- Pineapple Juice Mocktail - Keep the tropical theme going with a refreshing non-alcoholic pineapple juice spritzer.
Why Home Cooks Love This Recipe
Nothing beats convenience and incredible flavor in a single dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this baked pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Happy cooking!
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