Pressure Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

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This Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken recipe is one of our favorite dinner ideas! You can make it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, and it’s gluten free, paleo and Whole 30 friendly. Everyone is going to love this easy teriyaki chicken!

Disclaimer: This recipe was developed through a sponsored partnership with Dole Packaged Foods. As always, all opinions are my own.

A Quick & Healthy Chicken Dinner Idea

I like to think we have fairly good eating habits in our house. But the holiday season does bring an abundance of cookies and candy. And let’s be honest, there are even a few too many cheese and crackers platter.

When January rolls around, it’s time to lighten things up a bit.

So for us, it’s not really about changing our diet. It’s more about getting back to our normal. This means lots of salads and Cherry Vanilla Almond Smoothies for me. I’m back to packing the kids’ school lunches with plenty of fruit and nuts and sandwiches on whole grain bread. And dinners focus on lean protein and veggies, like Slow-Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken over Brown Butter Cauliflower Rice.

I figure if this what most of our days look like, an occasional scoop or two of ice cream is totally fine. Because in my world, it’s all about balance. So while you won’t see me doing juice cleanses or crash diets, I’m happy to start the year refocusing on fresh, wholesome ingredients. And yes, even incorporating a #DoleDetox with quick, easy and healthy chicken recipes like this one.

What Makes this Pineapple Chicken So Good?

I love the flavor of pineapple and it adds a subtle sweetness to this chicken recipe that’s addictively good. Plus, enzymes in the pineapple juice tenderize the chicken by dividing proteins and making your chicken fall apart in your mouth. I’m telling you, just spoon this teriyaki chicken over a fluffy bed of white rice and you’ll be in heaven!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this pineapple teriyaki chicken. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

• Chicken breasts – I prefer to use boneless chicken since it’s easier to cut
• Dole Pineapple Tidbits – Tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari
• Sriracha – You can also use another kind of chili sauce if you prefer.
• Rice Vinegar
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger – Both will need to be minced. You can use dry ginger if you prefer.
• Cornstarch or Tapioca Starch – These will thicken the sauce.
• Optional garnishes – sesame seeds, julienned carrots or scallions.

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken in the Instant Pot

• Separate the pineapple fruit and juice. This recipe starts with Dole Canned Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Juice. Pour the juice into a bowl and 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 & cook.Then place the chicken breasts in your pressure cooker and add the sauce. Set to the manual setting for 12 minutes.
• Natural release. After the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for five to ten minutes for doing a quick release.
• Remove the chicken and shred it. While you are doing that, set the pressure cooker to Saute. Add a slurry of cornstarch or tapioca starch and water, and let it boil till thickened.
• Mix chicken and pineapple tidbits. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir in the pineapple tidbits.
• Dig in! Serve with your favorite sides and vegetables and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken in the Slow Cooker

You can also prepare this dish as a slow cooker recipe. Follow the steps above up until you turn on the pressure cooker. Instead of doing that, you’ll cook the teriyaki chicken on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.

When you remove the chicken from the slow cooker, transfer the teriyaki sauce to a pot to thicken it. You can also add the thickening slurry to the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. It will not get quite as thick, but it is an option if you don’t want to use the stove.

Is this Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes, it can easily be made gluten free. Simply use tamari in place of soy sauce. Or read labels carefully to choose a gluten free soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another option, which also makes this recipe paleo friendly. When thickening the sauce, you will use a simple slurry of cornstarch or tapioca starch, which is also gluten free.

Is Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?

This recipe is definitely a healthy way to make this dish. It’s made with lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts. And it is thickened with a starch slurry instead of adding extra fats and flour.

Just like with my Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, the characteristic sweetness of teriyaki sauce comes from Dole Canned Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Juice instead of added sugar. That’s it – just pineapple juice and pineapple, thanks to Dole.

I am proud to be partnering with Dole Packaged Foods to create recipes featuring their highest quality, GMO-free fruits and veggies. You can always find Dole in my freezer and pantry, and often in #BugsLunchbox. I am thrilled to share ways to use their products to make it easy to get more fruits and veggies in your diet in a no-fuss way. Find out more about their products by following Dole Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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

Make it a Meal

• You can choose whole grain sides like brown rice, quinoa, or brown rice ramen noodles for some good-for-you fiber.
• Alternatively, cauliflower rice or zoodles are delicious low carb and paleo options. Either just needs to be lightly sauteed before packaging.
• And of course, we always serve plenty of veggies. Sometimes it’s just a bag of frozen mixed vegetables that are tossed in the microwave. Or it might be simple steamed carrots or sesame roasted broccoli.
• Sprinkle with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for the finishing touch.

What Else Can You Make with Pineapple Tidbits?

• Hummingbird Cake Overnight Oats are simple to prep ahead to start your day off right.
• Tropical Chicken Salad is perfect for protein-packed lunches, whether you pile it on a sandwich or make a lettuce wrap or salad.
• Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls will fight those afternoon snack cravings.
• Pineapple Black Bean Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is hearty and satisfying with its sweet heat combo.
• Mango Pineapple Ice Cream (just a little scoop) can be your special treat after you’ve been keeping up with your healthy habits for the past couple weeks.

More Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Try

• Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Pulled Chicken
• Lighter Crockpot Butter Chicken
• Apple Cider Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
• Orange Saffron Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
• And you’ll love all of these 20 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

The family will definitely request that you add this to your collection of favorite slow cooker or instant pot recipes. And you’ll be happy to make it a regular part of your dinnertime rotation since it’s quick, healthy, and delicious. The simple sauce and easy preparation will make this a go-to recipe for lunch or dinner. Remember those meal prep options and swaps to make it gluten free and paleo, if needed.

I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a photo on this pin on Pinterest!

5 from 1 vote

Pressure Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken (with slow cooker directions)

An easy and healthy way to enjoy this family favorite. Includes gluten free and paleo serving options and slow cooker directions!

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

• 1 ¼ to 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 20 oz. can Dole Pineapple Tidbits in 100% Pineapple Juice
• 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 teaspoons sriracha or other chili sauce
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic , minced or crushed
• 1 Tablespoon minced fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon dried ginger
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
• 2 Tablespoons cold water
• Rice, rice ramen, cauliflower rice, or zoodles and vegetables for serving
• Sesame seeds, julienned carrots, and scallions for garnish, optional

Instructions

• Place chicken breasts in your pressure cooker (see Note for slow cooker directions).
• Drain the can of Dole Pineapple Tidbits saving the juice for the sauce (you’ll have about 3/4 cup). Set aside the pineapple for later.
• Combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce or tamari, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl or measuring cup and stir together. Pour over the chicken.
• Close your pressure cooker and set to Manual for 12 minutes. Allow it to reach pressure and cook.
• When the cooking time is complete let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes, then do a Quick Release to release the remaining pressure.
• Remove the chicken to a plate and shred with a fork. Set aside while you thicken the sauce.
• Set the pressure cooker to Saute. Whisk together the starch and water, then whisk into the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
• Return the chicken to the pressure cooker and toss to coat. Stir in the Pineapple Tidbits. Start with about half of the can, then decide if you’d like to add more.
• Serve over rice, rice ramen, cauliflower rice, or zoodles and vegetables, and garnish with sesame seeds, julienned carrots, and scallions if desired.

Notes

To make this recipe in your slow cooker, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 3-4 hours or on high for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily. After removing the chicken from the slow cooker to shred it, transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and add the starch slurry, bringing to a boil to thicken. Then return everything to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can add the starch slurry to the shredded chicken and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. It will thicken, but not quite as much.

Nutrition Facts

Pressure Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken (with slow cooker directions)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 206 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Cholesterol 72mg24%

Sodium 888mg37%

Potassium 564mg16%

Carbohydrates 18g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 25g50%

Vitamin A 80IU2%

Vitamin C 11.4mg14%

Calcium 23mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: instant pot teriyaki chicken, pineapple chicken, slow cooker teriyaki chicken

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Enjoy!