Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

This delicious recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, making for a flavorful, protein-packed dish. Serve it with your favorite side for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
• 4 cloves garlic, grated, mashed to a paste
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, mashed to a paste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3 green onions, sliced diagonally, or as needed, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, or as needed, for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare them as described. Trim any visible fat from the chicken breast and cut the chicken into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Drain the pineapple juice and pour it into a bowl. Set the pineapple chunks aside for later use.
3. Add the soy sauce or coconut aminos, brown sugar or coconut sugar, and honey or agave syrup to the bowl with the pineapple juice.
4. Using a microplane grater, grate the garlic and ginger, then mash them together until a smooth paste forms. Add this paste to the marinade mixture.
5. Stir in sesame oil and mix the marinade until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Pour half of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Reserve the remaining marinade for later. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.
7. Preheat an air fryer to 400F (200C) for about 5 minutes, or according to the manufacturers instructions.
8. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any marinade in the bag. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink at the center and juices run clear. If desired, add the pineapple chunks to the air fryer for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
9. While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a large skillet. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
10. Once the marinade has thickened, add the cooked chicken and pineapple to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
11. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	411
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	2g	9%
Cholesterol	96mg	32%
Sodium	1238mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate	47g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	41g
Protein	39g	78%
Vitamin C	17mg	19%
Calcium	77mg	6%
Iron	2mg	14%
Potassium	649mg	14%

Note: The nutritional data includes the full amount of marinade ingredients, though the actual amount consumed may vary.

The Fascinating Story Behind Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a modern twist on traditional Japanese teriyaki, a method of cooking that involves grilling or broiling meat with a soy-based glaze. Teriyaki itself dates back to the Edo period in Japan (16031868), originally used for fish before being adapted for chicken and beef. The addition of pineapple, a tropical fruit rich in natural sugars and enzymes, is a more contemporary innovation, influenced by fusion cuisine trends popularized in Hawaii and other Pacific regions in the 20th century.

Regional Variations and Influences

This dish reflects a blend of Japanese technique and Hawaiian flavor. In Hawaii, pineapple is frequently incorporated into savory dishes, creating a balance of sweet and savory that has become iconic in the islands cuisine. Outside Hawaii, American adaptations often use canned pineapple and sweetened soy or teriyaki sauces to mimic the tropical flavor, sometimes adding ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for extra depth. The dish can also be adapted to include bell peppers or carrots, depending on regional preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While traditional teriyaki chicken relies purely on soy sauce, sugar, and mirin for its glaze, Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken introduces a fruity sweetness and slight acidity from pineapple juice, which also acts as a natural tenderizer. Unlike General Tsos or orange chicken, which are typically deep-fried and coated in a thick, often spicy sauce, this version emphasizes a lighter, fruit-infused glaze that balances the rich, savory flavor of the chicken.

Typical Serving Occasions

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is commonly served over steamed white or jasmine rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to be absorbed by the grains. It is popular in home-cooked weeknight meals, casual family gatherings, and modern Asian-fusion restaurants. Garnishes such as green onions and sesame seeds not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide subtle crunch and aroma, elevating the overall dining experience.

Interesting Facts

• Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein, making the chicken especially tender when marinated.
• The combination of soy, sugar, and pineapple juice creates a natural caramelization when cooked, giving the dish a glossy, restaurant-quality appearance.
• Although pineapple teriyaki chicken is often associated with Hawaiian cuisine, its roots are a creative adaptation of Japanese teriyaki techniques, reflecting the global influence of culinary fusion.
• Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, as in some modern recipes, makes the dish gluten-free and slightly milder in flavor.
• Air-frying the chicken, rather than pan-frying, is a recent adaptation that reduces oil while maintaining crispness, showing the evolution of traditional recipes with contemporary cooking methods.

FAQ about Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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