Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (2024)

Last Updated on October 8, 2021 by Jean Choi 50 Comments

AIP

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This Whole30 pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe is a quick and healthy weeknight meal, only sweetened with pineapple that’s blended in the addicting sauce. It comes together in 15 minutes and you’ll never get takeout again!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (1)

I’ve never really been a huge fan of teriyaki sauce unless I made it at home. Most teriyaki sauce from restaurants always tasted way too sickeningly sweet to me, and I always felt my blood sugar spiking after eating it. However, cooking at home allows to control my own spices and sweetness, and it’s the only way I enjoy any teriyaki dish now.

How to Make this Whole30 Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

For this Whole30 teriyaki chicken, fresh or canned pineapple chunks are used to sweeten the sauce. The tart flavor of the pineapple complements this dish perfectly, and it’s been our go-to weeknight meal! Best of all, it only takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish

Watch the Recipe Video Here:

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (2)

Recipe Ingredients

This Whole30 teriyaki chicken requires some simple ingredients that come together so quickly! There are 2 components for this dish: the chicken and the Whole30 teriyaki sauce:

To Make the Chicken

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
salt
ghee: You can also use coconut oil
garlic
sesame seeds and chopped green onions: For the AIP version, just omit the sesame seeds.

To Make the Sauce:

fresh OR canned pineapple chunks: Make sure there’s no sugar added! Crushed pineapples can also work in a pinch
coconut aminos: A great alternative to soy sauce if you want to avoid soy
ginger
vinegar
arrowroot starch: Tapioca starch will also work in a pinch!

You just blend the sauce ingredients together until smooth in texture. The arrowroot starch helps the sauce thicken once the chicken is cooked and heated. Once you have the sauce ready, it’s very easy to make this Whole30 and paleo teriyaki chicken that you’ll want over and over again!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (3)

Step-by Step Directions: How to Make Whole30 Teriyaki Chicken

Once the Whole30 terikyaki sauce is made, the rest of the pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe is easy breezy:

Stir fry the chicken pieces in oil on the stove top until the chicken is cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook garlic in the same pan until golden and fragrant.
Add the blended sauce in the pan and simmer for 1 minute until thickened.
Add the chicken back in the pan and cook in the sauce for 2 minutes until heated through.

That’s it! Super easy, better-than-takeout gluten free teriyaki chicken. You can sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving, and the leftovers save well too. Serve with cauliflower rice, white rice, or brown rice for a complete meal!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (4)

Tips and FAQs for this Recipe

What chicken is best to use for pineapple chicken teriyaki?

Either skinless boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs will work. I personally prefer thighs because they are more flavorful and juicier. Either one will work well though!

Can I use pre-cooked, frozen, or canned chicken?

If using pre-cooked chicken, you can just chop it up into bite-sized pieces then add it at the end with the sauce. No need to brown it beforehand. Same thing with canned chicken.

For frozen chicken, make sure to defrost it completely before using it in the recipe.

How should I store my leftovers?

Leftovers of Whole30 teriyaki chicken can be enjoyed for up to 3 days. Just store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to serve with pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe

There are so many ways to enjoy this Whole30 and paleo teriyaki chicken, and the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish:
– with cauliflower rice, or regular white or brown rice if not avoiding grains
– broccoli
– green beans
– snap peas
– roasted carrots
– broccoli rabe
– sautéed zucchini
It goes well with so many stir-fry veggies so feel free to experiment!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Whole 30, Paleo, AIP) (5)

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Whole30 Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Paleo, AIP)

This Whole30 pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe is a quick and healthy weeknight meal, only sweetened with pineapple that's blended in the addicting sauce. It comes together in 15 minutes and you'll never get takeout again!

Ingredients

1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp sea salt or more to taste
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
3 garlic cloves minced
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions to serve (omit seasame seeds for AIP)

Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
1/2 cup coconut aminos
1/2 inch fresh ginger
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
2 tsp arrowroot starch

Instructions

Place all ingredients for the pineapple teriyaki sauce in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Toss the chicken pieces with salt.
Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook stirring until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove from the pan.
Add garlic to the pan and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the prepared pineapple teriyaki sauce and use a wooden spoon to scrap the bottom of the pan as it heats.
Simmer the sauce for 1 minute until thickened.
Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, and simmer for 2 minutes until heated through. Taste and add more sale, as needed.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve with cauliflower rice.

Nutrition Facts

Whole30 Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Paleo, AIP)

Amount Per Serving (1 serving – makes 4)

Calories 291Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 118mg39%

Sodium 958mg42%

Potassium 683mg20%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 37g74%

Vitamin A 75IU2%

Vitamin C 22mg27%

Calcium 18mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

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

Video

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