Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor and just feels like a big, warm hug, you’ve got to try this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s a sweet and savory combo that’s ridiculously tasty and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to wow your guests. Trust me, once you make these colorful stuffed peppers, you’ll want to make them again and again. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet pineapple and tangy teriyaki sauce create a mouthwatering sweet-savory combo that’s just irresistible.
- Easy One-Dish Meal: Stuffed peppers hold chicken, rice, and veggies all in one, cutting down on cleanup and making dinner a breeze.
- Customizable & Flexible: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences without losing that signature flavor.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The flavors are familiar yet exciting—kids usually love the sweetness, while adults appreciate the savory depth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how the ingredients in this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe come together effortlessly. Each element plays a role—from juicy chicken and sweet pineapple to the hearty rice that fills you up just right. Here’s why each ingredient makes the dish shine, plus some handy tips for grabbing the best stuff when you shop.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These shred beautifully and soak up the teriyaki flavor wonderfully. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here, too.
- Cooked rice: White or brown rice provides a tender, fluffy base that balances pineapple sweetness. I sometimes swap with quinoa for a nutty twist.
- Diced pineapple: Fresh is best for brightness, but canned drained pineapple works well in a pinch—just watch the extra syrup!
- Teriyaki sauce: The star of the show, it adds savory, salty, and sweet layers. Opt for one with low sodium to control salt levels.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and drizzle on peppers, giving a nice richness and helping flavors meld.
- Garlic: Adds that aromatic punch early in the cooking process—don’t skip it!
- Ground ginger: Brings a subtle, warm zing that pairs perfectly with teriyaki and pineapple.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a touch of heat, these bring just enough kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Bell peppers: Choose colorful large ones—they not only look beautiful but hold your tasty filling well.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a melty, gooey finish if you’re feeling indulgent.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I adore about this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to make yours. I often play around with it based on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t be shy about mixing it up—it’s all about what makes you happy.
- Vegetarian variation: I’ve made these stuffed peppers swapping chicken for black beans or crumbled tofu—it works great and keeps things hearty!
- Spice it up: Feel free to dial up red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha when sautéing if you want more heat.
- Grain swap: Quinoa or cauliflower rice make wonderful low-carb or gluten-free alternatives that still get the job done nicely.
- Cheese tweak: Sometimes I top with pepper jack or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Peppers Prepped
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then slice the tops off your bell peppers and scoop out all the seeds and membranes. I like to give them a quick 5-6 minute blanch in boiling water to soften them up a bit before stuffing, especially if you’re short on baking time. This also helps avoid crunchy bites later. Once done, set them upright in your baking dish, ready for their delicious filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken & Rice Filling
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Then add your shredded chicken along with teriyaki sauce, diced pineapple, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), plus some salt and pepper. Cook everything together for 5-6 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Finally, stir in the cooked rice and mix to combine. By this point, your kitchen smells amazing—trust me!
Step 3: Stuff Those Peppers & Ready to Bake
Time to fill! Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into each pepper cavity, gently pressing down as you go so each bite is packed with flavor. I like to drizzle a little olive oil on top of each pepper to keep them from drying out during baking. Cover the whole baking dish tightly with foil.
Step 4: Bake & Add Cheese (If You Like)
Pop the covered dish into the oven for 25-30 minutes. If you’re craving a crispy top, uncover the dish for the last 5 minutes. Here’s when I sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top to melt into a bubbly, golden finish. It’s optional but oh-so-good when you’re feeling decadent.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving—hot fillings can surprise you! I like to garnish with extra pineapple chunks or chopped green onions to add freshness and a pop of color. Now dig in and prepare for compliments.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Use Leftover Chicken: I often use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff: Press filling gently but avoid packing too tightly—the rice needs room to steam and stay fluffy.
- Balance Sweet & Savory: Taste your teriyaki sauce—if it’s very sweet, cut back a little or add a splash of soy sauce for balance.
- Let Peppers Rest: Allow a few minutes cooling time after baking so filling sets and you don’t burn your mouth!
How to Serve Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these stuffed peppers with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and pop of color. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to amp up the Asian-inspired vibe, and a few extra pineapple chunks on the side add that burst of sweetness that really elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
These peppers are fantastic alongside a simple mixed green salad or steamed broccoli to keep things light and fresh. If you want a heartier meal, garlic butter roasted potatoes or roasted asparagus complement the sweetness and add texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe nestled on a bed of sesame spinach or even cut in half for easy sharing. You can also arrange several peppers on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers, which instantly makes it feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the fresh batch, I like to store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making for a convenient lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these peppers freeze beautifully. I recommend baking them first, then cooling completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the peppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve their texture better than microwave reheating, which can sometimes make the peppers soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of meat for this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are perfect for shredding and soaking up the sauce, you can substitute shredded turkey, pork, or even ground beef depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
-
Can I prepare Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or busy nights.
-
Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Definitely. Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or omit the grains altogether and add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a lighter, low-carb version without compromising flavor.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan teriyaki sauce. Skip the cheese or use vegan cheese to keep it plant-based and delicious.
-
What kind of peppers work best?
I prefer large bell peppers because they hold a good amount of filling and cook evenly. Feel free to use any color you like for vibrant presentation; red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter and complement the pineapple nicely.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen—it’s just so satisfying to bite into the combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and that savory teriyaki glaze all wrapped in a perfectly roasted pepper. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, it’s a recipe I genuinely love to share because it’s as reliable as it is delicious. Give it a shot and I bet it’ll find a spot on your favorites list too!
Print
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring shredded chicken, juicy pineapple, and tender rice packed inside roasted bell peppers. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a flavorful dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice Filling:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Optionally, blanch the peppers in hot water for 5–6 minutes to soften them slightly. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, teriyaki sauce, diced pineapple, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the cooked rice and mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing the filling down gently to pack it well. Drizzle the tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Add Cheese: If using cheese, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top of each stuffed pepper in the final 5 minutes of baking to let it melt nicely.
- Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra pineapple or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save preparation time.
- Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier or gluten-free alternative.
- Make the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, replace chicken with black beans or tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
