Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple Delight
Savor flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple, a quick and delicious dish perfect for vibrant weeknight dinners. This recipe combines juicy bell peppers stuffed with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, complemented by bursts of tropical pineapple for a bright, irresistible flavor. Whether you’re craving a hearty and healthy meal or want to impress family and friends effortlessly, these stuffed peppers deliver on taste, nutrition, and simplicity all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of teriyaki glaze and juicy pineapple creates the ultimate sweet and savory combo.
- Nutritious & Colorful: Loaded with lean protein and vibrant veggies, this dish is as healthy as it is beautiful.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into meals.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Easy to prep in advance and reheat without losing any flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple. From the tender chicken and sweet pineapple chunks to the crisp bell peppers and savory sauce, these components come together effortlessly to make a balanced and mouthwatering dish.
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red, yellow, or green peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, pineapple adds a juicy sweetness and tropical flair.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Use your favorite bottled sauce or homemade for that signature sweet and savory glaze.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build a savory foundation for the stuffing.
- Cooked Rice or Quinoa: Optional but recommended for added texture and substance.
- Green Onions: Fresh sliced green onions give a light, refreshing bite on top.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Variations for Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and easy to tweak based on your preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinated in teriyaki sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the filling for a kick of heat.
- Different Proteins: Try ground turkey, shrimp, or even beef for varied flavors.
- Grain-Free Option: Skip rice or quinoa and add extra veggies like chopped mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce to keep it safe without compromising taste.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and set aside to keep them fresh and ready for stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add diced chicken breast, cooking until it turns opaque and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Teriyaki Sauce
Stir in pineapple chunks and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken and pineapple thoroughly. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine with Rice or Quinoa
If using cooked rice or quinoa, fold it into the chicken mixture now to add body and texture to the stuffing. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste buds.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper generously with the teriyaki chicken and pineapple mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish to catch any juices that might drip.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the filling is bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with sliced green onions right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple
- Use Fresh Peppers: Fresh bell peppers have the best texture and vibrant color for stuffing and baking.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cooking chicken just until done keeps it juicy and tender inside the peppers.
- Balance Sweet and Savory: Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust teriyaki or pineapple amounts to your liking.
- Choose Your Rice Wisely: Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant note, but quinoa is a fantastic protein-rich alternative.
- Let Peppers Rest Before Serving: A few minutes resting allows juices to redistribute for easier eating and better flavor.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds the perfect finishing touch and a pop of flavor to these stuffed peppers.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or sautéed snap peas to keep the meal light and complementary.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the stuffed peppers in a colorful platter lined with banana leaves or drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping and extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring flavors remain fresh and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking by wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain crispy pepper edges and ensures the filling stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely! Sweet bell peppers work best, but poblano or banana peppers can add a unique twist if you prefer a bit of heat or different texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and ensuring any added grains or ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh marinated in teriyaki sauce, and use a plant-based sauce to keep the flavors vibrant and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is naturally mild but you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up if you like some heat.
What’s the best way to dice the chicken?
Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking and even distribution inside each pepper.
Final Thoughts
Give these Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple a try and discover a delightful mashup of flavors that makes weeknight dinners exciting again. This dish is not only simple to make but also bursting with the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh, guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll reach for time and time again.
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Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Pineapple is a quick, vibrant, and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy bell peppers are filled with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, complemented by bursts of tropical pineapple. This wholesome and colorful meal is family-friendly, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 vibrant bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Protein & Fruit
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Grains (Optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional, for added texture and substance)
Sauces & Oils
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade; use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and set aside to keep them fresh and ready for stuffing.
- Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add diced chicken breast, cooking until it turns opaque and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Pineapple and Teriyaki Sauce: Stir in pineapple chunks and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken and pineapple thoroughly. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine with Rice or Quinoa: If using cooked rice or quinoa, fold it into the chicken mixture now to add body and texture to the stuffing. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste buds.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper generously with the teriyaki chicken and pineapple mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish to catch any juices that might drip.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape, and the filling is bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with sliced green onions right before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh bell peppers for best texture and vibrant color.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust teriyaki sauce and pineapple for preferred sweetness and savoriness.
- Jasmine or basmati rice adds fragrance; quinoa provides a protein-rich alternative.
- Allow stuffed peppers to rest a few minutes after baking to redistribute juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Stuffed Peppers, Pineapple, Weeknight Dinner, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Family-Friendly, Quick Meal