Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
A delightful dish combining sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce with juicy chicken and fresh pineapple, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon room-temperature water
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar (50g)
- 2 tablespoons honey (43g)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (120ml)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60ml)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs. total)
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks (175–190g)
For garnish
- chopped scallion/green onion Optional
- sesame seeds Optional
Instructions
Preparation of teriyaki sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until it becomes a thick, milky liquid.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch mixture, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, stop whisking and let it boil for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
Baking the chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 2–3-quart baking dish.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and arrange it in the prepared pan. Place the pineapple chunks on and around the chicken.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, turning it to make sure it’s fully coated. If needed, use a basting brush to help coat it.
- Bake the chicken uncovered for 30–32 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be at least 165°F/74°C). If you like, at the 25-minute mark, slice the chicken into chunks for more sauce absorption and return it to the oven.
- Once done, sprinkle with chopped green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best flavor and consistency. You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey or sugar, depending on your taste. Don’t forget to let the sauce cool before baking; this helps it thicken further.