If you’re after a dinner that’s bright, fresh, and utterly irresistible, these Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with sweet pineapple, all snuggled up in a crisp lettuce leaf—each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: Each bite layers sweet pineapple with the savoriness of homemade teriyaki chicken, making these lettuce wraps completely addictive.
- Quick and Easy: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Fresh and Light: Crunchy romaine lettuce acts as a crisp, low-carb vessel that keeps things light yet satisfying.
- Customizable for Everyone: Guests can load their Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps with extra cheese, more sauce, or even caramelized pineapple rings—it’s totally up to you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need is refreshingly simple, but each ingredient has a starring role in the flavor and presentation of these Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps. Let’s talk about what makes each one special.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces; they soak up the teriyaki sauce and stay tender in every wrap.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way for sautéing your chicken until golden and juicy.
- Shredded Jack cheese: Melts over the hot chicken and adds a creamy, mellow richness.
- Homemade teriyaki sauce: Bright, sweet, savory, and just thick enough to coat every morsel—made from pantry staples but bursts with flavor.
- Canned pineapple slices: Their tangy sweetness cuts through the savory chicken; caramelize the rings for extra magic.
- Romaine lettuce: Use the largest, sturdiest leaves for a refreshing crunch that doesn’t wilt under warm fillings.
- Green onions: Sliced for a peppery, fresh bite that wakes up the entire wrap.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Bring a subtle nuttiness and pretty finishing sprinkle.
- Low sodium soy sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water: This combo is everything you need for that irresistible, glossy homemade teriyaki sauce.
Variations
Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps are endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you’re serving picky eaters or craving a flavor twist, you’ll have a blast customizing these wraps to suit your mood or what’s on hand.
- Swap the Protein: Try using diced cooked shrimp or tofu for a fun seafood or vegetarian variation that soaks up that luscious sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add a few squirts of sriracha or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a delicious kick of heat.
- Go Extra Crunchy: Toss in some shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell pepper, or chopped water chestnuts for more texture and vibrant color.
- Pineapple Everything: Use pineapple tidbits instead of rings for more even pineapple flavor in every bite!
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, red wine vinegar, both sugars, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat and stir just until the sugars dissolve—your kitchen will instantly smell incredible! While that’s gently bubbling, mix cornstarch and warm water in a bowl until smooth, then whisk it into the sauce. Let it simmer until thick and glossy, then take it off the heat—this is your flavor-packed sauce for the wraps and for drizzling on top.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your olive oil and toss in the prepared chicken. Season with a little salt and pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside. Pour in about two-thirds of your homemade teriyaki sauce and stir until every piece is glossy and coated—reserving the rest of the sauce for extra drizzling at the table.
Step 3: Prepare and Caramelize the Pineapple (Optional)
If you want to level up the sweetness, pat the pineapple slices dry and pop them into a hot skillet. Sear on each side until they turn golden and caramelized. The lightly charred edges bring out their natural sugars—it’s a game-changer for your Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps!
Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Fan out your crunchy romaine leaves and pat them dry. Fill each leaf with a big spoonful of warm teriyaki chicken, sprinkle with shredded Jack cheese, top with a pineapple slice, and shower with sliced green onions. For a final flourish, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds flavor and makes every wrap look special. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of sauce if you love things extra saucy!
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps
- Lettuce Leaf Savvy: Choose the largest, sturdiest leaves from the outside of your romaine head—they’re the perfect boats for holding plenty of filling without falling apart.
- Sauce Consistency: Let your teriyaki sauce bubble just until it thickens—if you go too long, it may become gluey instead of glossy.
- Stagger the Cheese: If you love extra melty cheese, sprinkle it on the hot chicken in the skillet for just a moment before assembling.
- Pineapple Power: Always pat canned pineapple dry before caramelizing to prevent spattering and get those dreamy golden edges.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Give each wrap a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. If you have fresh cilantro or extra chili flakes on hand, they make beautiful finishing touches that add vibrancy and even a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweet and savory flavors with a light side—think an Asian-inspired cucumber salad, a bowl of jasmine rice, or crunchy veggie slaw. A plate of fresh fruit or steamed edamame also hits the spot with these bright, cheerful wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps on a platter with all the toppings in little bowls so everyone can build their own—family style is always a hit! For parties, use smaller lettuce leaves and toothpicks for adorable, mess-free appetizers. You can even slice wraps into bite-sized pieces and line them up sushi-style for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the chicken and teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separate from the lettuce, pineapple, and toppings. The chicken will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, ready for a quick wrap or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and teriyaki sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and always assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings for maximum crunch and color.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up before serving with your crisp lettuce leaves and fresh pineapple.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and cook until they’re fully cooked through with no pink in the center.
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How can I make Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps dairy-free?
Simply leave out the shredded Jack cheese or substitute with your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative. The wraps will still be packed with flavor and creamy sauce.
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What kind of lettuce works best for these wraps?
Romaine hearts are ideal because the leaves are crisp, sturdy, and easy to fold, but butter lettuce or iceberg leaves work too. Choose large, flexible leaves to prevent tearing when you fill and roll them up.
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Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar. Just warm it up gently before tossing with the chicken for that just-cooked taste.
Final Thoughts
Give these Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps a whirl—the blend of tangy, savory, and sweet is downright crave-worthy, and they’re so easy, you might find yourself making them on repeat. Gather your friends, set out the toppings, and watch these crowd-pleasing wraps disappear in a flash!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful blend of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and tangy teriyaki sauce wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. They make for a light and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Lettuce Wraps
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup Shredded Jack cheese
- 8 Canned Dole pineapple slices
- 1 head of Romaine Lettuce
- Green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds, optional
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Warm water
Instructions
- Teriyaki Sauce – In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix soy sauce, water, red wine vinegar, sugars, garlic, and ginger. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Whisk cornstarch with warm water until dissolved. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to the sauce, simmer until thickened, and set aside.
- Chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken, season, and add teriyaki sauce. Reserve some sauce for serving.
- Assembly – Wash lettuce leaves, spoon chicken into leaves, top with cheese, green onions, pineapple, and sesame seeds. Serve warm with extra sauce.
- Optional – Caramelize pineapple rings in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings with your favorite ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or nuts.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
