Name: Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon room-temperature water; 1/4 cup (50g) light or dark brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons (43g) honey; 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce; 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 Tablespoons minced fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs. total); 1 cup (175–190g) fresh or canned pineapple chunks*; Optional: chopped scallion/green onion and sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a tropical vacation on your plate, you’ve got to try this Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that is both sweet and tangy, complemented perfectly by bursts of fresh pineapple. This recipe is not only quick and easy, ready in under an hour, but also healthy and packed with bold flavors that everyone at the table will love. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A small white saucepan filled with a thick, dark brown sauce with visible small bits of garlic and chili flakes floating in it, the sauce's texture is glossy and smooth, almost syrup-like. A shiny silver spoon is dipped into the sauce, lifting some of it, showing its sticky and rich consistency. The saucepan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and tang. From the sticky brown sugar to the zingy apple cider vinegar, every element layers together to create mouthwatering depth and vibrant color in the finished dish.

Cornstarch: Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth sauce texture.
Light or dark brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel notes to the sauce.
Honey: Boosts natural sweetness and gives a lovely sheen.
Soy sauce: Provides the signature savory umami flavor essential to teriyaki.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness.
Garlic clove (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
Fresh ginger (minced) or ground ginger: Delivers zesty spice and brightness.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick of heat without overpowering.
Skinless boneless chicken breasts: The tender protein base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Fresh or canned pineapple chunks: Freshness and juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that elevate this recipe.
Optional garnishes (scallions/green onions, sesame seeds): For added color, texture, and a fresh finish.

How to Make Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Begin by whisking the cornstarch and water together until it forms a thick, milky liquid—it’s what will give your sauce that beautiful glaze. Then combine this mixture with brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk occasionally as the sauce comes to a gentle boil, then allow it to cook without stirring for a couple of minutes until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon, reminiscent of rich maple syrup. Let it cool and thicken further off the heat for at least 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Baking Dish

While your sauce cools, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a baking dish that’s about 2 to 3 quarts in size. Whether you use a cast iron skillet or a shallow pan, make sure it’s ready to cradle those juicy chicken breasts. Pat the chicken dry to help it brown beautifully and arrange the breasts evenly in the dish.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce

Scatter the pineapple chunks over and around the chicken breasts—it’s those sweet pockets of pineapple juice that really make this dish sing. Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over everything, turning the chicken to ensure every inch is luxuriously coated. If you have a basting brush, now’s the time to use it to massage the sauce in well.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 to 32 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For an extra saucy, tender finish, you can slice the chicken into chunks around the 25-minute mark and let it finish cooking—this helps the flavors soak in even deeper. Just make sure to watch closely so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.

How to Serve Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of white rice, topped with several chunks of glazed, brown chicken pieces coated in a shiny sauce. Bright green broccoli florets are arranged along one side of the rice, adding fresh color. Small green onion pieces and white sesame seeds are sprinkled over the chicken for extra detail. The plate rests on a round woven basket tray and is set on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding a fork near the edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped scallions or green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add a pop of vibrant green and a nutty crunch, providing the perfect contrast in both flavor and texture to the sweet and sticky chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or hearty quinoa, which help soak up all that luscious leftover sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy also complement the tropical and savory notes, adding freshness and a hint of crispness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe on a bed of coconut rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or mint for extra freshness. You can also thread the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers for an easy, elegant presentation—ideal for dinner parties or weeknight family meals alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually deepen over time, making for fantastic next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist and saucy. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will lend a richer flavor and stay tender and juicy during baking. Just adjust cooking times slightly, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple offers a bright, vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple works great too and can be more convenient. Just make sure to drain canned pineapple well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before pouring over the chicken to help it loosen back up if it thickens.

How spicy is this Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

It’s mild and suitable for all tastes. If you want a little heat, you can easily add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce before baking.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect one-to-one substitute. Coconut aminos is another good choice with a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my cooking rotation because it’s so effortless yet impressive. The blend of sweet pineapple, homemade teriyaki sauce, and tender baked chicken creates a harmony of flavors that brings joy to any dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple too!

Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need