Description
This Pineapple Stuffed Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with sweet canned pineapple rings and glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce. Baked and broiled to perfection, it’s a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce (can be replaced with coconut aminos)
- ½ cup water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp + ½ tsp honey
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp water (to mix with the cornstarch)
Chicken and Filling
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 20 oz. canned pineapple rings (4 rings total)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry: Whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water together in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside for later use in the sauce.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a pot over medium-high heat, combine soy sauce, ½ cup water, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir continuously to prevent burning, especially the honey. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Thicken the sauce: Once boiling, whisk in the prepared cornstarch slurry. Continue whisking for about a minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and pour the sauce into a separate bowl to cool slightly.
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through, leaving about a ½ inch uncut on the side to create a pocket. Place two pineapple rings inside each chicken breast and close them gently, then place the stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Season and glaze: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste. Generously brush each breast with the prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Broil for finishing: After baking, switch your oven to broil. Broil the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes to achieve a slightly blackened, caramelized top. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the pineapple stuffed teriyaki chicken immediately, ideally paired with your favorite rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Be careful when slicing the chicken breasts; do not cut all the way through to prevent pineapple rings from falling out.
- Using reduced sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish, but adjust seasoning as needed.
- The broiling step adds a nice caramelization; watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables and rice to create a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Pineapple Stuffed Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Baked Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe
