Instant Pot or Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Asian-inspired recipes are always a hit in our house. But whether it’s Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken or Egg Roll Bowls, making these favorite meals at home is a more affordable option than ordering takeout, plus, I know I can make them safely gluten free.

In this dish, the pineapple adds a subtle sweetness so perfectly balanced by all of the savory Asian-style flavors. Once you’ve tried it, the family will definitely request that you add this to your collection of their favorite slow cooker or instant pot recipes.

This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is So Versatile!

You’ll be happy to make it a regular part of your dinnertime rotation. Here’s why:

• Delicious flavors. Juicy chicken is tenderized by the pineapple juice, which also adds a sweetness to the thick combination of the umami of soy sauce and aromatic ginger and garlic. It’s a bold but not overpowering combo that delights tastebuds of all ages.
• Quick preparation. The Instant Pot makes it all come together fast, but even if you prefer to go the slow cooker route, the prep work takes almost no time, and you can come home to a dinner that’s nearly ready to be put on the table.
• Simple ingredients. It’s made with lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just like with my Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, there is no added sugar other than what is naturally in the pineapple juice. And it is thickened with a starch slurry instead of adding extra fats and flour.
• Simple to make gluten free. Since it already doesn’t use any flour for thickening, the only thing you have to do is make sure you use gluten free soy sauce or tamari. Easy peasy.
• Loads of serving options. I’ll give you more ideas later on, but from grains to veggies to garnishes and sauces, you can completely customize this meal just as you like it.

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

As I mentioned, you can make this in a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Let’s go over both options. Then get all of the detailed directions in the recipe card.

• Separate the pineapple fruit and juice. Drain the canned pineapple tidbits, collecting the juice in a small bowl or a measuring cup. Set the fruit aside for later.
• Make the teriyaki sauce. Mix the pineapple juice with soy sauce or tamari, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

• Add to the chicken and cook. Then place the chicken breasts in your pressure cooker and add the sauce. Close the vent and set the Instant Pot to the Manual setting for 12 minutes.
• Shred the chicken. After the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for five to ten minutes before doing a quick release. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it with a fork, then set it aside.

• Thicken the sauce. Whisk together the cornstarch or tapioca starch and water to make a slurry. Set the pressure cooker to Saute. Add the slurry while whisking, and let it boil till thickened.
• Mix chicken and pineapple tidbits. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir in the pineapple tidbits. Now you can serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or ramen noodles and vegetables and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

One of the most popular ways to enjoy teriyaki chicken is to use it in a meal in a bowl. Serving it over white rice my be the most common, but you can add more flavor by using Cilantro Lime Rice or trying some of these other options.

Choose your base:

Spoon your base into the bottom of your bowl as the start to building your dinner creation.

• Rice: Pack in more nutrition by using brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. You can even use an entirely different grain like quinoa
• Noodles: Our favorite is brown rice ramen noodles, but zoodles are also an option, as well as a more flavorful base like Spicy Sesame Noodles.

Add veggies:

Now you can choose your favorite vegetables to top your base.

• Simply prepared: Go with some basic steamed carrots or green beans, sauteed peppers or mushrooms, or just a bag of frozen mixed veggies.
• Infuse more flavor: There are so many Asian-style vegetable side dish options, like Sesame Roasted Broccoli or Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic.

Finish with a garnish:

Now spoon your chicken over the veggies and add a little something extra for flavor or texture.

• Give it a sprinkle: You can use sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or julienned carrots.
• Add a drizzle: Sauces add a little extra punch, whether you choose sriracha, Peanut Sauce, or just some more Teriyaki Sauce.

How to Meal Prep this Recipe

While I love to make this for the family for dinner, it is also a great option for meal prep lunches. I always keep a supply of meal prep containers on hand so that I can easily pack lunches for myself or my husband.

Choose one or more of the bases and divide it between 4 to 6 containers. Add a side of vegetables to each container, then top with the pineapple teriyaki chicken. Add your garnishes, or keep them in a separate small container to sprinkle on top after you reheat the dish.

Then it’s easy to just grab and go, and pop them into the microwave at lunchtime.

Make it a Meal

Above I gave you ideas for turning this teriyaki chicken into a delicious meal in a bowl or packaging it up in meal prep containers. But there are lots of other options to enjoy it too.

• Make Lettuce Wraps. Yes, you can spoon this into cups of lettuce to make lettuce wraps. Serve it with a bowl of Beef and Broccoli for a couple of filling options.
• Spoon into Buns. This tender chicken would also make a great filling for my Gluten Free Bao Buns in place of the pork.
• Serve a Creative Side. Instead of the usual rice and veggies, make the meal a little more fun by pairing it with Gluten Free Vegetable Pancakes or some Shrimp Summer Rolls.