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What Great Grandma Ate / Recipes / 30 Minutes or Less / Homemade Whole30 Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe (Paleo, AIP)

Homemade Whole30 Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Recipe (Paleo, AIP)

Last Updated on October 8, 2021 by Jean Choi

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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

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:

Whole30 teriyaki sauce in the blender

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!

Whole30 teriyaki chicken

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Cook garlic in the same pan until golden and fragrant.
  3. Add the blended sauce in the pan and simmer for 1 minute until thickened.
  4. 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!

Paleo teriyaki chicken over cauliflower rice

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!

If you enjoyed this pineapple teriyaki chicken recipe, you might also love…

  • Paleo & Whole30 Sesame Chicken – Stovetop & Air Fryer Method
  • Paleo Chicken Yakitori aka Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option)
  • Whole30 Mongolian Beef (Paleo, Keto, AIP Option)
  • Gluten Free Hot Dog Fried Rice (Paleo & Whole30 Option)
  • Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Coconut Chips

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!
4.74 from 19 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Keyword: 30 minute paleo meals, 30 minute whole30 meals, gluten free teriyaki chicken, paleo teriyaki chicken, whole30 condiments, whole30 teriyaki sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 291kcal

Video

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 291 Calories 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.

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Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

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By Jean Choi | July 9, 2020

Comments

  1. Karen says

    July 12, 2020 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    Super easy and very tasty!

    • Jean Choi says

      July 13, 2020 at 8:24 am

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed. 🙂

  2. Kim says

    July 13, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy and delicious! I agree most take out sauces are too sweet. This one was perfect!

    • Jean Choi says

      July 15, 2020 at 8:18 am

      Thanks so much!

  3. Janine says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    Made this as a family meal tonight, even though I am only one doing AIP. They loved it and my 12 year old son even asked for more. Thank you!

    • Jean Choi says

      July 15, 2020 at 8:18 am

      Yay! I’m so glad!! Thanks so much.

  4. Jean Choi says

    July 17, 2020 at 7:13 am

    Yay! I’m so glad you like it! Thank you so much!!

  5. Amanda says

    July 21, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    Yum is all I need to say!

  6. Danielle says

    November 1, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight! Even my picky family was on board. Super easy and delish!

    • Jean Choi says

      November 2, 2020 at 10:58 am

      Amazing! So happy you enjoyed it.

  7. Monica Mingo says

    December 5, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    5 stars
    Jean unni,
    Delicious, fast meal! Look forward to meal prepping this with rice and broccoli. Plus I made extra sauce so who isn’t not loving this?!

    • Jean Choi says

      December 6, 2020 at 7:12 am

      So glad you enjoyed it!! YESSS, all the rice and broccoli with this. That’s how I enjoy it too!

  8. Cathy says

    January 10, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    I made this tonight and served with rice and green beans. Was a big hit with the entire family! Also did 1.5 times the quantity of sauce b/c my chicken was a little over 2lbs. Fed all four of us plus enough for two lunches tomorrow!

    • Jean Choi says

      January 14, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m so glad your whole family enjoyed it. 🙂

  9. Mandy says

    January 14, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    Another great recipe, Jean! The pineapple added a sweetness to the sauce that which was just perfect. I added some shredded carrots and broccoli and served over cauliflower rice – super delicious meal!

    • Jean Choi says

      January 14, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      Sounds amazing. Thank you so much!

  10. Christiane DeSalvo says

    February 2, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    5 stars
    We absolutely loved this recipe! I couldn’t believe how easy it was to put together and such great flavor overall. We enjoyed over a bed of cauliflower rice with chopped red & green peppers and all the flavor melded together famously. I cannot wait to make this again.

    Thank you for a clean take on a delicious favorite. The pineapple + coconut aminos is a perfect combo without being too sweet!

    • Jean Choi says

      February 5, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! I love the idea of adding red and green peppers. I’ll have to try that!

  11. Jamie says

    February 4, 2021 at 9:52 am

    If I used ginger paste instead of fresh ginger, how much would you use? Thanks!

    • Jean Choi says

      February 5, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      You can try 1 1/2 tsp

  12. Shannon I says

    February 10, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    1 star
    I tried this recipe, not only did it not look like the picture it tasted to salty. $9.00 down the drain.

    • Jean Choi says

      February 12, 2021 at 4:15 pm

      I’ve never heard that yet! Sorry that happened. Did you use sea salt and not table salt? Sea salt is less salty by volume. Also, you can save the recipe by making more chicken (don’t add salt) and adding to the sauce.

    • Emily says

      September 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm

      I had the same issue. Had to throw it away. Realized later I had used liquid aminos rather than coconut aminos. BIG mistake on my end!

  13. Christina says

    February 28, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    This is delicious and so easy to make! I wish I would have doubled the recipe!

    • Jean Choi says

      March 1, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks so much!

  14. LAURA BATES says

    March 7, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    4 stars
    I wish i would have started with 1 tbsp of acv. That’s all I can taste in the entire recipe. I’ll eat it, it’s must very overwhelming with acv taste.

    • Jean Choi says

      March 9, 2021 at 10:51 am

      If you don’t like the sourness, yes – definitely cut down the acv.

  15. Mandy Kuypers says

    April 16, 2021 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    This was incredibly easy to make and super delicious! I added red pepper and broccoli and served over cauli rice – I will definitely make this again.

    • Jean Choi says

      April 19, 2021 at 10:38 am

      Thank you so much!

  16. Angela Pineda says

    April 20, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    This was ahhhhh-mazing. I actively pulled out my computer to write this review so 1) I wouldn’t eat it all and 2) I had to tell the world that you have to make this because it’s SO good. I ate it with roasted broccoli and plain white rice and I really thought I was eating take out – but in a way that wont me feel slightly sick that I overindulged.

    • Jean Choi says

      April 21, 2021 at 9:42 am

      Thank you so much, Angela!! Makes me sooo happy that you enjoyed it so much.

  17. Theresa says

    April 21, 2021 at 9:04 am

    Do you think mango would work ok. Instead of the pineapple?

    • Jean Choi says

      April 21, 2021 at 9:41 am

      You’ll probably be able to taste the mango but if you don’t mind that, it’ll work just fine!

  18. Kim says

    May 12, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    5 stars
    This was an amazing meal!
    I doubled the recipe for my family of 8 and I wish I would have made more.
    Even my picky eaters cleaned up their plates! We will now be adding this meal to our rotation.

  19. Corinne says

    August 1, 2022 at 6:29 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. The pineapple adds the perfect sweetness!

  20. Stephanie Lazcano says

    February 21, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    5 stars
    This was SO DELICIOUS!! 10 out of 10 recommended! The whole family loved it and it was so simple to make. We served ours with some sliced steamed carrots & cauliflower rice. It paired PERFECTLY! This recipe fed 3 with no left overs so for larger families double the recipe! Thank you for this amazingly delicious and fresh recipe!! We will be making this again 🙂

    • Jean Choi says

      February 22, 2023 at 1:28 pm

      Thank you so so much! So glad your whole family loved it.

  21. Tracy Gauger says

    April 13, 2023 at 7:04 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve already made this several times and the whole family loves it! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. I’m going to throw the sauce and uncooked chicken in the crock pot tomorrow morning. It will be the first time I try the recipe that way and I bet it will turn out great!

    • Jean Choi says

      April 14, 2023 at 9:40 am

      Amazing!! That makes me so happy. Thank you so much for your review!

  22. Kenzie says

    January 8, 2024 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    I am obsessed with this recipe!!! First try went so well, added a little extra seasoning on the chicken but will definitely be adding to my weekly rotations!!

    • Jean Choi says

      January 8, 2024 at 9:42 am

      Thank you so much!!

  23. Priscilla Urbina says

    February 14, 2024 at 7:31 pm

    5 stars
    Really good recipe!!!!

    • Jean Choi says

      February 19, 2024 at 10:29 am

      Thanks so much!!

  24. Moriah says

    February 27, 2024 at 4:51 am

    5 stars
    LOVED this!!! Will be a new weekly staple in our house for sure! Do you know if they sauce can be made ahead of time and freeze for even faster cooking later in the week?

    • Jean Choi says

      February 27, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you so much!! You can freeze the sauce but I would mix in the arrowroot starch right before cooking it after it’s defrosted. Freezing starch will make it lose its thickening ability.

  25. Misty says

    June 19, 2024 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    You have made my whole week with this recipe. I’ve been on AIP for just a few weeks and have tried so many recipes that everyone claims are delicious but when made they are either tasteless or resemble what I can imagine something I dug up from the dirt would taste like. This was incredible! The first recipe that I like better than takeout or even something homemade. And it’s so simple. My family doesnt do AIP and refuse anything i say is made with AIP restrictions but this, loved every bite and asked me to make it again. Thank you so much!

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Hi, I’m Jean!

headshot of Jean Choi - blogger of What Great Grandma Ate

I’m a food lover and recipe developer living in Southern California. I love to share simple and approachable gluten-free recipes that are healthy but never sacrifice on flavor. I hope I can help you feel confident in the kitchen and inspire you to try out some new-to-you dishes!

More About Jean

Recipe Key

  • 3030 Min or Less
  • AIPAIP
  • EFEgg Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • NFNut Free
  • PPaleo
  • VVegan
  • W3Whole 30

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