### Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: A Tasty Treat
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is an enjoyable dish that merges succulent chicken thighs with a sweet and flavorful glaze, succulent pineapple, and the fragrant notes of fresh ginger and garlic. This simple baked recipe provides a delightful balance of zesty, smoky, and tropical flavors in every bite, making it an ideal option for a family meal or a special event.
#### Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
– **Flavor:** A delightful mix of sweet, sticky, and savory! Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime enhance the traditional pineapple-soy taste for a light, zesty glaze you’ll adore.
– **Why It Works:** Marinating the chicken thighs imbues them with flavor, while the retained sauce thickens into a shiny glaze.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Drizzle the extra glaze over baked rice to capture every drop of the sauce.
**Total Time:** 4 hrs 30 mins (4 hrs Marinating)
**Serves:** 6
**Cooking Method:** Stovetop/Oven-Baked
### Ingredient Notes
– **Chicken:** Boneless skinless chicken thighs remain tender and juicy during baking or grilling and take in the marinade splendidly. Chicken breasts can also be utilized, but monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
– **Pineapple Rings:** Fresh or canned pineapple both function well in this recipe. If opting for canned pineapple, select rings packed in juice and save the juice for the homemade sauce. For easier serving over rice bowls, consider using pineapple chunks instead.
– **Teriyaki Sauce:** Utilize store-bought sauce for a quick shortcut, or prepare the homemade sauce provided in the recipe. Reduced-sodium soy sauce aids in keeping the glaze balanced and prevents excessive saltiness.
### How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
1. Mix the homemade teriyaki ingredients.
2. Marinate the chicken, reserving the leftover sauce.
3. Simmer the reserved sauce, leisurely adding a cornstarch slurry.
4. Bake the chicken (complete recipe below).
5. Brush or pour the thickened sauce over the chicken.
#### Tips for Success
– **Reserve Some Sauce:** Set aside half of the sauce before introducing the chicken, ensuring some remains for glazing and serving.
– **Don’t Over Marinate:** Four hours provides the chicken ample flavor. Overnight marinating is acceptable, but refrain from extending it beyond that, as it can soften the chicken’s texture.
– **Add Cornstarch Gradually:** The sauce continues to thicken as it simmers and cools, so cease when it lightly coats the back of a spoon.
– **Place Chicken in Single Layer:** For improved browning in the oven, arrange the chicken in a single layer and broil after it has reached a safe internal temperature (165°F in the thickest part).
– **On the Grill:** Keep some thickened reserved sauce for serving rather than using all of it while basting.
### Save Every Saucy Bite
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for as long as 3 months.
– Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.
### Recipe Overview
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 4 hours
**Total Time:** 4 hours 30 minutes
#### Ingredients for Teriyaki Sauce
– Soy sauce
– Brown sugar
– Honey
– Rice vinegar
– Fresh ginger
– Garlic
– Cornstarch
#### Instructions
1. Mix all sauce components. Reserve half the sauce and refrigerate.
2. Combine chicken with the remaining sauce. Marinate for 4 hours or overnight if feasible.
3. Place the reserved sauce in a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add cornstarch gradually until it reaches your preferred thickness.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and discard it. Arrange chicken, pineapple rings, and green onions in a 9×13 pan. Top with thickened teriyaki sauce.
5. Bake in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 433
– **Carbohydrates:** 42 g
– **Protein:** 23 g
– **Fat:** 19 g
– **Sodium:** 2771 mg
– **Potassium:** 530 mg
– **Fiber:** 1 g
– **Sugar:** 34 g
This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not just simple to prepare but is also brimming with flavors that will whisk you away to a tropical paradise with every