Teriyaki Chicken Thighs | Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Recipe

Tender, juicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that’s packed with umami flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep and pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Dish

• Easy to make. This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Flavor-packed. A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors in every bite.
• Budget-friendly. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this dish is affordable and delicious.
• Great for meal prep. These chicken thighs reheat beautifully, making them perfect for leftovers.

Whether you serve them over steamed rice, mixed into some noodles, or tucked into a sandwich, pineapple teriyaki chicken thighs bring a comforting yet bold taste that appeals to just about everyone.

What Do Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Taste Like?

Teriyaki chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, thanks to the thick glaze made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. The caramelized sauce adds a deep, rich umami flavor, making this dish both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

How Do You Get Sauce To Stick To Chicken Thighs?

A properly thickened teriyaki sauce clings to the chicken better. Simmer the sauce until it reduces and becomes glossy. If needed, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to help it thicken.

Once cooked, let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes before serving. As it cools slightly, the sauce will continue to adhere, creating that sticky, glossy teriyaki coating.

Ingredients To Grab

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs– These are the star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender base that soaks up the rich teriyaki marinade. They remain moist and flavorful after cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Soy Sauce– Adds deep umami flavor and a salty richness that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• Pineapple Juice– This adds a natural sweetness and slight tanginess to the marinade, balancing the salty and savory elements.
• Brown Sugar– Used to deepen the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a slightly sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar– Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor in the marinade. It prevents the sauce from becoming too sweet and adds a touch of brightness.
• Minced Garlic– Enhances the savory qualities of the dish. It pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and ginger for an authentic flavor profile.
• Ground Ginger– Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the umami of the soy sauce. It gives the teriyaki sauce its signature zing.
• Cornstarch Slurry– A mixture of equal portions of cornstarch and water. It is used to thicken the sauce and helps it stick to the chicken thighs.
• Olive Oil– Used to brown the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the pan while it cooks.
• Salt and Pepper– Enhances the overall flavor of the dish, ensuring the marinade isn’t too sweet or bland.
• Green Onion and Sesame Seeds– Used as a garnish for a pop of color and texture.

Together, these ingredients create a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken thighs, making every bite packed with flavor.

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Season the chicken. Spread the chicken thighs out on a cutting board and generously season them with salt and pepper.

Cook to perfection. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and let them cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Flip them every 2-3 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Prepare the sauce. While the chicken is cooking, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and more salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until it is well combined.

Combine and coat. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken thighs. Simmer the sauce and chicken over low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and thicken. Add a cornstarch slurry over the top and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serve and enjoy! Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with your favorite garnishes and side dishes for a delicious and easy weeknight meal!

Tips And Tricks

Check out these simple tips and tricks to ensure this skillet teriyaki chicken recipe turns out effortlessly perfect every time:

• Marinate for extra flavor. Reserve half of the homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce and allow the chicken thighs to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in the sauce’s taste.
• Double the sauce. If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, double the teriyaki sauce recipe.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists on classic teriyaki chicken thighs for an unforgettable homemade meal:

• Make it spicy. Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use chicken breast. Swap thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
• Grill it. Instead of pan-frying, grill the marinated chicken thighs for a smoky char.

What To Eat With Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Check out some of our favorite side dishes to pair with teriyaki chicken thighs. They help turn a tasty bite of chicken into a deliciously satisfying meal:

• Steamed Rice– A classic pairing that is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables– Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas cooked in with the chicken and sauce for a crunchy contrast.
• Garlic Noodles– Toss spaghetti or ramen noodles in garlic butter and soy sauce before serving with these tasty chicken thighs.
• Cucumber Salad– A refreshing, tangy side dish to balance the richness of the salty-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce.

How Long Does It Last?

Teriyaki chicken thighs can last for up to four days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it with a splash of water on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before digging in.

Can You Freeze It?

If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken thighs for up to three months. When freezing, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For best results, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce while reheating helps retain moisture and keep the chicken juicy.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

• Springfield Style Cashew Chicken
• Hasselback Chicken
• Monterey Chicken
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta
• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

If you love this recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Thighs as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends and family on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you’re craving something salty and sweet.