Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: A Tropical Twist on a Classic
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki! This recipe takes the familiar comfort of classic chicken teriyaki and elevates it with the sweetness of caramelized sweet onions and the tropical tang of fresh pineapple. It’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This dish is incredibly versatile, too. Serve it over fluffy rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients.
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and then get cooking!
Why This Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Works
* **Sweet and Savory Balance:** The combination of the sweet onions, juicy pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The sweetness is balanced by the umami depth of the teriyaki, making it incredibly addictive.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** As mentioned, this dish can be served in a variety of ways, making it a great option for meal prepping or adapting to dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The combination of familiar flavors with a tropical twist appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a great option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
* **Uses Simple Ingredients:** You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry and refrigerator.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs):** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Sweet Onion (1 large):** Vidalia onions or other sweet onion varieties are essential for this recipe. They caramelize beautifully and add a gentle sweetness that complements the teriyaki sauce.
* **Fresh Pineapple (1 cup, diced):** Fresh pineapple is always best, but you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well to avoid a watery sauce.
* **Soy Sauce (1/2 cup):** Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Mirin (1/4 cup):** Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds depth and complexity to the teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar.
* **Sake (2 tablespoons):** Sake adds a subtle floral aroma and enhances the other flavors in the sauce. If you don’t have sake, you can substitute it with dry sherry or omit it altogether.
* **Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons):** Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to thicken the teriyaki sauce. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
* **Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated):** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and spicy note to the dish.
* **Garlic (2 cloves, minced):** Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Cornstarch (1 tablespoon):** Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce and give it a glossy finish.
* **Water (2 tablespoons):** The water is mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon):** Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for the best results.
* **Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):** Vegetable oil is used for searing the chicken and caramelizing the onions.
* **Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish):** Sesame seeds add a nice visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
* **Green Onions (optional, for garnish):** Green onions add a fresh and vibrant touch.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown properly.
* Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces allows it to cook quickly and evenly, and it also helps it to absorb the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
**2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (or sherry), brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce later on.
**3. Caramelize the Sweet Onions:**
* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
* Add the sliced sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, translucent, and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish. Be patient and don’t rush the process. Lower the heat if the onions are browning too quickly.
* Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
**4. Sear the Chicken:**
* Add the sesame oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor.
* Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* If you’re using chicken thighs, you may need to cook them for a slightly longer time.
**5. Combine Everything and Simmer:**
* Add the caramelized sweet onions and diced pineapple to the skillet with the chicken.
* Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, onions, and pineapple.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
* Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch slurry will help to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
**6. Serve and Garnish:**
* Serve the Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki hot over fluffy rice or your favorite grain.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and a touch of fresh flavor.
Tips and Variations
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas. Add them to the skillet along with the caramelized onions and pineapple.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is made without wheat.
* **Use Canned Pineapple:** While fresh pineapple is best, canned pineapple chunks can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well to avoid a watery sauce.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more tender.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** You can also make this dish in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
* **Over Rice:** The classic pairing! Serve this teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **With Noodles:** Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a lighter and healthier option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
* **In a Bowl:** Create a delicious and satisfying bowl by combining the chicken with rice, vegetables, and your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the vegetables and chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Recipe Card: Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
* 1 large sweet onion, sliced
* 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup mirin
* 2 tablespoons sake (or dry sherry)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
* Green onions (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (or sherry), brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
2. Caramelize the Sweet Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, translucent, and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the sesame oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Combine Everything and Simmer: Add the caramelized sweet onions and diced pineapple to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, onions, and pineapple. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki hot over fluffy rice or your favorite grain. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
**Notes:**
* Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or broccoli.
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy this delicious and easy Sweet Onion and Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media! Happy cooking!