Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and fresh. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a homemade teriyaki sauce, soaking up all that rich flavor, while fresh pineapple adds just the right amount of natural sweetness. Serving everything in a hollowed-out pineapple makes for a fun presentation, but it's not just for looks-the pineapple flavor deepens as it warms, making every bite even better. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and an easy cooking process make this a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. ✨🍍

If you love this recipe & want more teriyaki goodness, try my Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe or Teriyaki Beef Bowls! You can also use my easy chicken thigh recipe for this dish!

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 Pineapple
• 4 Chicken Thighs
• 1 Cup Rice cooked

Easy Teriyaki Sauce

• ¼ Cup Coconut Aminos or Tamari
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 2 Teaspoons Ginger minced

Optional Toppings

• Avocado
• Sesame Seeds
• Green Onions

Step-By-Step

Hollow Out the Pineapple: Start by slicing the pineapple in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to carefully carve around the edges, once you've don't that, slice the center of the pineapple into cubes. Once you've done that scoop out the inside using a spoon. Save the pineapple chunks-you'll use them in the sauce later!

Cook the Rice: Prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice works best, soaking up all that rich teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in sesame oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don't fully cook it yet-we'll finish it in the sauce.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat and add coconut aminos (or tamari), honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Finish Cooking the Chicken: Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pan. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

Add Pineapple Chunks: Toss in the reserved pineapple chunks, letting them warm through in the sauce. This step infuses the teriyaki with fresh, fruity sweetness.

Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the cooked rice into the hollowed-out pineapple halves. Top with the sticky teriyaki chicken, making sure to drizzle extra sauce over everything. Finish with avocado slices, sesame seeds, and green onions for the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

Choose a ripe pineapple - It should be fragrant and slightly soft when pressed. An underripe pineapple will be too tart.

Use fresh garlic and ginger - Pre-minced versions won't provide the same depth of flavor.

Sear the chicken first - This locks in moisture and creates a golden crust before finishing in the sauce.

Let the sauce thicken - Simmering helps it caramelize slightly, creating that sticky-sweet texture.

How to Choose a Ripe Pineapple

The key to picking a perfectly ripe pineapple lies in its color, texture, and smell. A ripe pineapple typically has a golden-yellow hue, especially toward the base, while an underripe one remains mostly green. Gently squeeze the fruit-it should have a slight give without being too soft. The best indicator of ripeness is the smell; a sweet, tropical aroma at the base means it's ready to eat. Avoid pineapples with bruises, soft spots, or a fermented smell. As a final trick, try pulling on a leaf from the crown-if it comes out easily, your pineapple is ripe and ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love These Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The tangy pineapple perfectly complements the rich teriyaki sauce and umami-packed chicken.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Using coconut aminos or tamari keeps this recipe wheat-free while adding deep, soy-like flavor.
• Fun Presentation: Serving this dish in a hollowed-out pineapple instantly elevates it. It's not just food-it's an experience!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook everything in advance and store it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Simple & Beautiful: While it looks fancy, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cut a pineapple for pineapple bowls?
To make a pineapple bowl, slice the pineapple in half lengthwise and use a knife to cut around the edges, leaving about half an inch of flesh. Cut the inside into cubes, then scoop them out with a spoon or a knife. Save the pineapple chunks for the recipe and remove any extra juice before adding the cooked chicken and rice.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well in this recipe, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily.

What's the best way to store leftovers?
For best results, store the teriyaki chicken and rice separately from the pineapple shell. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pineapple shell can become soggy, so it's best to enjoy it fresh.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the teriyaki chicken and rice in advance, then reheat them when ready to serve. If you want to prepare the pineapple bowls ahead of time, store the hollowed-out shells in the fridge and drain any excess juice before serving.

Is there a gluten-free option for teriyaki sauce?
Yes! Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep the teriyaki sauce gluten-free. Both options work well and maintain that rich, umami flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, mix in some sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili crisp when making the teriyaki sauce. You can also top the finished dish with sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

Enjoy!

This Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowl brings together fresh flavors in a way that tastes just as satisfying as it looks. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and rich teriyaki sauce hits all the right notes-savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a meal that feels just a little more special-what's not to love? If you love this recipe, try my Cooked Salmon Poke! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🍍 You can also try my Southwest Chicken Bowl for more chicken recipes!

📖 Recipe