This One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a vibrant, irresistible dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes! Imagine tender chicken, sweet-tangy pineapple, crisp veggies, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce—all in one skillet. It’s everything you love about tropical takeout, but fresher, healthier, and (let’s be honest) even more fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Glorious One Pan Simplicity: The whole meal comes together in just one skillet, making prep and cleanup an absolute breeze.
- Better-Than-Takeout Flavors: Bursting with juicy pineapple, fresh veggies, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, every bite is crave-worthy.
- Naturally Gluten & Soy-Free: Thanks to coconut aminos and arrowroot, you get all the saucy goodness—without the usual allergens.
- Customizable for Everyone: Easily adjust the veggies, swap the protein, or dial up the heat to make it perfect for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of this One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry! Each ingredient plays a special role—whether it’s adding a pop of sweetness, crunchy texture, or that luscious glossy finish on your chicken. Here are the must-haves and why they’re key:
- Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and tender—perfect for soaking up all those tropical-sweet flavors.
- Fresh pineapple: Brings juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce and gives every bite a burst of summer.
- Broccoli: Adds fresh crunch and a vibrant green color—plus, it’s loaded with nutrients!
- Red bell pepper: For gorgeous color, natural sweetness, and a gentle crispness to balance the dish.
- Green onions (scallions): Divided into white (for the sauté) and green (for garnish), these add a savory brightness.
- Garlic & fresh ginger: The flavor backbone—together they deliver warmth and zing to every forkful.
- Coconut aminos: A magic, soy-free stand-in for soy sauce—salty, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Arrowroot flour: Makes your stir fry sauce irresistibly glossy and helps the chicken stay juicy when marinated.
- Rice vinegar & sesame oil: A little tang, a hint of earthiness, and rich sesame aroma to round out the sauce.
- Pineapple juice: Just enough to amp up the sauce’s tropical sweetness and bring everything together.
- Cooking oil (avocado or olive): Use a neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying so all that vibrant flavor can shine.
- Salt: A pinch, to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Variations
This One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is delightfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix things up based on what you have in the fridge, your personal cravings, or special dietary needs. Here are some easy ways to put your own spin on it:
- Switch the protein: Swap out chicken breast for cubed tofu, shrimp, or even sliced pork for a delicious twist.
- Mix up the veggies: Toss in sliced carrots, snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms—whatever you love or need to use up.
- Go spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili if you want your stir fry with a little kick.
- Paleo & Whole30 friendly: Just be sure to check your sauce ingredients, and you’ve got a meal that fits right in with clean eating!
How to Make One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into small, even pieces—this helps them cook quickly and soak up all that sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut aminos and arrowroot flour. Add the chicken and toss until each piece is nicely coated. Set the bowl aside to let the flavors start working their magic while you prep your veggies.
Step 2: Chop and Slice the Veggies
While your chicken marinates, cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, cube your red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and thinly slice that zingy piece of fresh ginger. Don’t forget to chop the green onions—white parts for the stir fry, green for a fresh finishing touch. If using fresh pineapple, peel and core it, then cut it into juicy, inch-sized cubes.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Grab a small bowl and stir together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, arrowroot flour, sesame oil, and pineapple juice. It may look a little cloudy at first, but it will thicken to a glossy, sticky sauce in the skillet. Set aside—this is the flavor backbone of your stir fry!
Step 4: Quick Sauté the Veggies
Heat a tablespoon of oil in your biggest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli and bell pepper, sprinkle lightly with salt, and sauté for about 2–3 minutes, just until bright and crisp-tender. Scoop them out onto a plate to keep from overcooking while you finish the rest.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics
Pour another 2 tablespoons oil into the pan, then add the marinated chicken, garlic, and white parts of the scallions. Sauté, stirring often, until the chicken browns slightly and is cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). This is where the chicken drinks up that sweet-savory flavor and gets perfectly juicy.
Step 6: Bring It All Together with Pineapple and Sauce
Return your sautéed veggies to the pan, then add that gorgeous fresh pineapple and thinly sliced ginger. Give everything a gentle toss, then pour in your homemade teriyaki sauce. Stir gently but constantly, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes until it coats everything in shiny, sticky, dinner-time goodness.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve!
Remove from the heat. Shower your One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry with green scallion tops and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Dinner is ready—stir, scoop, and devour!
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Get the Sear: Let your chicken pieces cook undisturbed for a minute before stirring—this gives them a perfect golden edge and keeps them juicy.
- Sauce Consistency: For that stick-to-your-fork teriyaki glaze, keep stirring once you add the sauce and let it bubble until thick and glossy—arrowroot works fast!
- Veggie Timing: Always sauté veggies separate from chicken; this way, nothing gets soggy and you preserve those vibrant colors and crunch.
- Pineapple Matters: Using fresh pineapple (not canned) transforms the dish with real tropical flavor and better texture—save canned for another day!
How to Serve One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
Garnishes
The finished dish truly shines with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and the fresh green tops of your scallions. If you want to get fancy, add a little extra pineapple on top or even a tiny drizzle of sesame oil for that irresistible aroma.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things light. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed edamame or a fresh cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry straight into pineapple “boat” halves for a totally wow-worthy presentation at family meals or gatherings. Or pile it into lettuce cups for a light, hand-held version that’s just as fun as it sounds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually gets even better the next day, as the teriyaki sauce continues to work its magic and meld with the chicken and veggies.
Freezing
You can freeze this One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce looks too thick. The microwave works too—just cover loosely to avoid splatters and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
You can use canned pineapple in a pinch, but I highly recommend fresh if you can! Fresh pineapple gives the stir fry a brighter, tangier flavor and firmer texture, while canned tends to be sweeter and softer. If using canned, drain well and add a splash of fresh lemon for zing.
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What are coconut aminos, and can I substitute soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are a naturally gluten-free, soy-free alternative to soy sauce with a subtle sweetness—perfect for this recipe. You can use low-sodium soy sauce instead, but note that it may be saltier so go lighter on the added salt, and the dish won’t be soy-free.
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Can I prep this stir fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chop all your veggies and prep your chicken in advance—the sauce can also be whisked ahead. Store each component separately and toss everything together for a speedy weeknight meal (just wait to cut the fresh pineapple until close to cooking for best flavor).
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How do I keep the chicken tender and not dry?
The quick marinade with coconut aminos and arrowroot flour is the secret! Arrowroot keeps the chicken moist while helping it brown. Also, don’t overcook—stir fry just until the pieces are golden and opaque, then add them back in with the veggies and sauce.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight hero or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is always a win. I hope you’ll give it a try—let your kitchen fill with sunshine, and don’t forget to sprinkle on those extra scallions for the perfect finish!
PrintOne Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make One Pan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh pineapple, crisp veggies, and a flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Stir Fry
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast
- 3–4 tbsp oil for stir-frying
- 1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
- 1/2 head of broccoli ~ 1 cup
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 2 stalks of green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 2 small cloves of garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- Salt to taste*
Chicken Marinade
- 2 –3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ~ 3 tbsp pineapple juice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos and arrowroot flour for the marinade. Add the chicken, stir to coat, and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables. Cut broccoli, cube red bell pepper, mince garlic, and slice ginger. Chop scallions, separating white and green parts.
- Prepare the pineapple. Remove skin, core, and cube.
- Make the Teriyaki sauce. Mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, arrowroot flour, sesame oil, and pineapple juice in a bowl.
- Cook the vegetables. Saute bell peppers and broccoli in oil, season with salt, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken. Saute marinated chicken with garlic and white scallion until cooked through.
- Combine ingredients. Add veggies, ginger, and pineapple to the chicken. Mix well.
- Add the Teriyaki sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the stir-fry.
- Garnish and serve. Top with green scallion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg