You know those days when you crave something sweet and savory but can’t decide between the two? Enter these Easy Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thighs—imagine tropical beaches meeting a cozy family dinner. I promise you, the juicy chicken marinated in a tangy, sticky sauce with bits of pineapple will have you dreaming of summer, even in the depths of winter.
Steps
- Combine the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce in a bowl and set aside half of it for later use.
- Place the chicken in a container or bag and marinate it with the remaining teriyaki sauce for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- To thicken the reserved sauce, bring it to a simmer in a small saucepan. Gradually add a cornstarch-water mixture until you achieve the desired thickness.
- For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the marinade, and place the chicken, pineapple rings, and green onions in a baking dish. Pour the thickened sauce over the top and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Broil for an additional 3-5 minutes for browning.
- For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken, brushing it with the thickened sauce, for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Grill the pineapple slices for 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 pineapple rings
- 3 green onions, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish (optional)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 green onion, minced
FAQ
- What type of chicken works best for Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken?
- Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can also be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce for this recipe?
- Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce is perfectly fine, especially if you’re short on time. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a splash of pineapple juice and some cornstarch.
- How long should the chicken be marinated?
- Ideally, marinate the chicken for about 4 hours or overnight to maximize flavor. If time is limited, aim for at least 30 minutes.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with light and fresh sides like rice, Sesame Ginger Snap Peas, bok choy, or steamed broccoli.
- Can the recipe be adapted for baking instead of grilling?
- Absolutely, the chicken can be baked in the oven at 425°F for 25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F, followed by a few minutes under the broiler for browning.
Tips
- For the juiciest results, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts, but if you prefer chicken breasts, ensure you adjust the cooking time so the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Enhance the flavor of your teriyaki sauce by adding pineapple juice. Alternatively, try swapping pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist on the traditional teriyaki flavor.
- When using store-bought teriyaki sauce, choose one with a thicker consistency similar to barbecue sauce. If it’s too thin, incorporate pineapple juice and thicken with cornstarch for better adherence to the chicken.
- To maximize flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Grill or Grill Pan – If grilling the chicken, you might need a grill or a grill pan for indoor grilling.
- 9×13 Baking Pan – For baking the chicken in the oven.
- Small Saucepan – For thickening the reserved teriyaki sauce with cornstarch.
- Basting Brush – To apply the sauce onto the chicken while grilling or baking.
