Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites! These little gems are packed with flavor and bring a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that’s just irresistible. I mean, who wouldn’t want juicy pieces of chicken coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce, paired with the bright sweetness of pineapple? It’s like a mini tropical vacation for your taste buds! Plus, they’re super quick to whip up—perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and delicious. When I first made these, my family couldn’t get enough. The aroma of ginger and garlic wafting through the kitchen was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites, they’ll become a go-to in your weekly rotation. You’ll love how easily they come together and how satisfying they are to eat!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites bake evenly and get that lovely caramelization on the outside. Trust me, a hot oven is key to achieving that irresistible texture!
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s bring those flavors together! Start by adding your diced chicken breast, followed by the ½ cup of teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well coated. You want all those delicious flavors to marry beautifully, so don’t rush this step! The chicken should look glossy and flavorful, ready for the skillet.
Cook the Chicken
Next up, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), it’s time to add your chicken mixture. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is no longer pink and has a lovely golden color. The garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite!
Bake and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through, transfer everything to a baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This final baking step helps meld those flavors even more. When it’s ready, serve hot, and don’t forget to spoon some of that mouthwatering sauce over your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The sweet and tangy combination of teriyaki sauce and pineapple creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a homemade meal fast.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the pineapple, these bites are a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Versatile: Serve them alone, over rice, or even in wraps—endless possibilities to keep your meals exciting!
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavors make this a hit with kids, making it easier to get them to eat healthy.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less teriyaki sauce—taste as you go! If you want a little kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; this helps it cook evenly and get that nice golden color. And for serving, don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for a beautiful finish. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
These Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites are not only delicious but also a healthy choice! Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 28g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 7g of fat. With 6g of sugar and 800mg of sodium, they offer a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals!
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors absorb better!
Q2. What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by mixing soy sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
Q3. Can I add vegetables to the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly.
Q4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a great addition to salads or wraps the next day!
Q5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just give it a little stir before cooking to ensure the flavors are well mixed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites is super easy! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a little extra teriyaki sauce to keep them moist, and heat until warmed through—about 5 minutes should do the trick! If you prefer, you can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might dry out. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites even further, serve them over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You can also pair them with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to add a crunchy, vibrant contrast. For a fun twist, wrap them in lettuce leaves for a light, tasty option!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this teriyaki chicken recipe or ginger soy chicken breast.
Print
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites: 5 Irresistible Flavors
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites are flavorful and juicy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce with pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Add pineapple chunks to the mixture and stir.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken mixture for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less teriyaki sauce.
- Serve with rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bites