Heavenly Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe for Summer

My recent obsession with chicken teriyaki pineapple bowls started during a spontaneous cooking experiment that surprised everyone at the dinner table.

Tropical flavors dance through this delightful dish, creating a perfect balance between sweet and savory elements.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle alongside caramelized pineapple chunks in a vibrant bowl that promises excitement.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this spectacular, with minimal effort required to craft such an impressive meal.

Each bite delivers a punch of umami and brightness that makes taste buds celebrate.

Colorful ingredients combine to tell a delicious story of culinary adventure.

You will want to grab a fork and dive right into this delectable creation.

Why Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe Are A Flavorful Hit

• Quick Tropical Plating: Transform an ordinary meal into a stunning presentation by using the pineapple shell as a natural, eye-catching bowl that instantly elevates your dining experience.
• Maximize Ingredient Potential: Cleverly utilize every part of the pineapple by chopping the scooped-out fruit for sauce and garnish, reducing food waste and adding fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
• No-Fuss Prep Technique: Easily hollow out the pineapple with simple kitchen tools like a knife and spoon, creating an impressive serving vessel that requires minimal culinary skill and maximum visual impact.
• Customizable Flavor Canvas: The versatile pineapple shell allows for creative customization, letting you adjust the recipe to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Pineapple: A fresh tropical fruit that serves as both the bowl and a key flavor component in the dish, with sweet and tangy characteristics.

• Whole Pineapple: Ripe, golden pineapple with green leaves intact, perfect for creating an edible serving vessel and adding natural sweetness.

Base Ingredients:

Chicken: The primary protein that forms the main part of the meal.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs, Boneless Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that absorb marinades well, with thighs offering more flavor and breasts providing a leaner option.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

Teriyaki Sauce Components: A blend of ingredients that create the classic Japanese-inspired sweet and savory coating.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness to the marinade.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds depth and authentic Japanese flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Helps create the signature sticky and caramelized teriyaki glaze.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and complementary flavor to the chicken.
• Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, rich undertone to the overall dish.

How To Make Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe Easily

Step 1: Slice Tropical Container

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a ripe pineapple in half lengthwise. Keep the vibrant green leaves attached to create a stunning presentation. This natural bowl will be your delicious serving vessel.

Step 2: Hollow Out Pineapple Shell

Grab a knife and spoon to gently remove the inner fruit. Leave a thin layer of pineapple flesh (about 1/2 inch thick) inside the shell to maintain its structural integrity. Work carefully to preserve the beautiful exterior.

Step 3: Prepare Pineapple Chunks

• One portion for creating a zesty sauce
• Another portion for garnishing the final dish

Set the prepared chunks aside in separate bowls.

Step 4: Create Teriyaki Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a glossy, fragrant marinade.

Step 5: Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil and cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. The edges should be slightly caramelized from the sweet teriyaki sauce.

Step 7: Combine and Fill

Mix the cooked chicken with some of the chopped pineapple chunks. Carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared pineapple shells.

Step 8: Final Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining pineapple chunks on top. Optional: Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Place the filled pineapple boats on serving plates. The natural pineapple container adds a tropical twist to this delightful meal. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Pro Tips For Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

• Preserve Pineapple Shell: Keep the pineapple skin intact while scooping to create a stunning, natural serving bowl that adds visual appeal and tropical charm to your dish.
• Maximize Pineapple Flavor: Use the scooped-out fruit chunks in both the sauce and as a fresh garnish, ensuring no delicious fruit goes to waste and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Precise Scooping Technique: Leave a thin layer of pineapple flesh (about 1/2 inch) inside the shell to prevent puncturing and maintain the structural integrity of your edible serving vessel.
• Customize Serving Style: Use the hollowed pineapple shells as individual serving bowls for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests and adds a fun, tropical twist to your meal.
• Prep Ahead Tip: Scoop and prepare pineapple shells in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to save time during final meal preparation and ensure a smooth cooking process.

How To Store Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken and pineapple components separate if possible to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to minimize moisture buildup and preserve flavor integrity.
• Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of teriyaki sauce to refresh the chicken's moisture and taste when serving leftovers.

Perfect Pairings For Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

• Elevate with Sweet Riesling: Pair this dish with a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling that complements the pineapple's tropical notes and balances the teriyaki's savory depth.
• Match with Crisp Asian Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and green onions to add refreshing crunch and cut through the rich chicken.
• Enhance with Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy coconut rice to absorb the teriyaki sauce, providing a creamy base that echoes the pineapple's natural sweetness and adds textural contrast.
• Serve with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Whip up quick pickled cucumbers with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar to introduce a bright, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Fresh Takes On Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

• Tropical Fusion Bowl: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp, adding coconut rice and extra diced mango for a Hawaiian-inspired seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Harvest Bowl: Swap chicken for crispy tofu, incorporating roasted bell peppers and edamame for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Island Edition: Introduce jalapeños and sriracha to the teriyaki sauce, creating a fiery version with extra heat and bold flavor profile.
• Pineapple BBQ Remix: Blend barbecue sauce with teriyaki for a smoky-sweet combination, using pulled pork instead of chicken and garnishing with fresh cilantro.

Quick FAQs On Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe, as it provides better flavor and texture. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and might make the dish too watery.

• How do I know if my pineapple is ripe and ready to use?

Choose a pineapple that’s golden-yellow with fresh green leaves. It should have a sweet aroma and yield slightly when pressed at the base. Avoid pineapples with brown or soft spots.

• What if I don't have a grill for cooking the chicken?

No worries! You can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. The key is to ensure it’s cooked through and gets a nice caramelized exterior with the teriyaki sauce.

• Is this recipe spicy?

This chicken teriyaki pineapple bowl is not spicy. It’s a sweet and savory dish with balanced flavors from the teriyaki sauce and fresh pineapple. If you want heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken teriyaki pineapple bowls bring Hawaiian island flavors dancing across your plate with sweet and savory perfection. Juicy grilled chicken nestled in hollowed pineapple creates a tropical meal that promises delightful culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pineapple juice (scooped from the fresh pineapple)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables, Fruits, and Garnishes:

• 1 fresh pineapple, cut in half with the fruit scooped out (leave a little around the edges)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• ½ cup sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Carefully halve the pineapple vertically while preserving the vibrant green leaves, creating an attractive natural serving vessel.
2. Delicately extract the inner fruit using a sharp knife and spoon, ensuring a thin layer of golden flesh remains attached to the skin to maintain structural integrity.
3. Meticulously dice the extracted pineapple chunks into small, uniform pieces, separating portions for sauce preparation and garnishing purposes.

Notes

• Achieve a clean pineapple bowl by carefully slicing and removing fruit with a sharp knife, ensuring the shell remains intact for a stunning tropical presentation.
• Reserve extra pineapple chunks to add natural sweetness and brightness to the teriyaki sauce, maximizing flavor and reducing food waste.
• Create a stunning garnish by finely chopping some reserved pineapple pieces, which will add texture and fresh tropical notes to the final dish.
• When hollowing out the pineapple, leave a thin layer of fruit inside the shell to prevent leakage and maintain structural integrity for serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg