Before we get into the details, let’s be honest for a second. Bell peppers don’t usually get invited to the fun table. They’re often the side dish, quietly minding their business. However, once they’re stuffed with tender teriyaki pineapple chicken, fluffy rice, and baked until cozy and saucy, they suddenly become the main character. This Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe is what happens when weeknight dinner wants to feel exciting but still behave itself in the kitchen. It’s sweet, savory, colorful, and just playful enough to make everyone ask for seconds.
Print
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 1hour
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a sweet and savory dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple baked inside colorful bell peppers.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook chicken in oil until lightly golden. Add garlic, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple, then simmer briefly.
- Mix cooked rice with teriyaki pineapple chicken. Stuff mixture into prepared bell peppers.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, uncover, and bake 10–15 minutes more until peppers are tender.
Notes
- Use brown rice for added texture.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
Table of Contents
Flavor balance in teriyaki pineapple chicken and rice
What really seals the deal is balance. The savory teriyaki sauce coats the chicken, while the pineapple adds gentle sweetness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Meanwhile, the rice absorbs those juices, making every bite of teriyaki pineapple chicken and rice taste complete. Because the peppers bake instead of fry, the dish stays lighter but still satisfying. As a result, these stuffed peppers feel comforting without being overwhelming, and that’s exactly why they earn a regular spot in the dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers (any color) | 4 large | Natural edible shells |
| Chicken breast, diced | 1 lb | Lean protein base |
| Cooked white or brown rice | 2 cups | Filling and texture |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup | Sweet balance |
| Teriyaki sauce | 1/2 cup | Savory-sweet flavor |
| Olive or vegetable oil | 1 tbsp | Cooking the chicken |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Flavor depth |
| Green onions, sliced | 2 tbsp | Fresh garnish |
Step-by-Step Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
Step 1 preparing the chicken and sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms, heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly golden and no longer pink. As the chicken cooks, stir frequently so it stays tender. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and pineapple chunks, then reduce the heat slightly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend. This step ensures the teriyaki pineapple chicken is juicy, flavorful, and evenly coated before stuffing the peppers.
Step 2 stuffing the peppers with rice and chicken
While the chicken simmers, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the teriyaki pineapple chicken mixture, stirring until evenly mixed. Spoon the filling generously into each pepper, pressing lightly so the rice and chicken settle without being packed too tightly. This balance helps the peppers cook evenly while keeping the filling moist and fluffy.
Step 3 baking teriyaki pineapple stuffed peppers
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the tops are lightly caramelized. Let the Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. This short rest helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
Preventing soggy peppers while baking
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers turn out best when the peppers stay tender but not watery. To make that happen, always choose firm bell peppers with thick walls. Before stuffing, pat the inside dry after removing the seeds, because extra moisture can lead to soggy bottoms. Also, avoid overcooking the rice ahead of time. Slightly fluffy rice absorbs the teriyaki pineapple chicken sauce without turning mushy. While baking, covering the dish for the first part traps steam to soften the peppers, yet uncovering later allows excess moisture to evaporate, which keeps everything balanced.
Getting tender chicken and bold flavor every time
Chicken texture can make or break stuffed peppers. Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so it cooks uniformly. While cooking, keep the heat at medium to prevent drying out. Adding the teriyaki sauce early helps coat the chicken, while pineapple juices naturally tenderize it as it simmers. Because the filling finishes cooking in the oven, avoid overcooking the chicken on the stove. This approach keeps Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers juicy, flavorful, and comforting from the first bite to the last.
Storage, Meal Prep, and Reheating
Storing leftover stuffed peppers safely
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers store beautifully, which makes them great for meal prep. Once the peppers cool to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because the rice and chicken absorb more flavor over time, leftovers often taste even better the next day. To keep the peppers from getting watery, store them in a single layer whenever possible. This helps maintain texture while preserving the sweet and savory balance of the teriyaki pineapple chicken filling.
Freezing and reheating tips
If you want to freeze Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers, wrap each cooled pepper tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for quick meals. Cover loosely to prevent drying out. This method keeps the peppers tender and the chicken juicy without losing flavor.
Serving Ideas and Side Dishes
How to serve teriyaki pineapple chicken stuffed peppers
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a full meal on their own, yet how you serve them can make dinner feel extra special. For casual nights, place one stuffed pepper on each plate and drizzle a little extra warm teriyaki sauce over the top. Then sprinkle sliced green onions for a fresh finish. If you’re serving guests, cut the peppers in half so the colorful filling shows, which instantly makes the dish feel more inviting. Because the flavors are both sweet and savory, these stuffed peppers work well for family dinners, meal prep lunches, or relaxed gatherings where comfort food matters.
Best side dishes for stuffed peppers
Although these peppers are filling, simple sides round out the meal nicely. Steamed broccoli or green beans add a clean, fresh contrast to the rich teriyaki pineapple chicken. A light cucumber salad or simple coleslaw also pairs well, especially when you want something crisp to balance the rice. For heartier meals, serve with extra rice on the side to soak up any sauce. These pairings keep the meal balanced while letting the Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers stay front and center.
FAQs About Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
What type of rice works best for stuffed peppers?
White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well. White rice gives a softer texture, while brown rice adds a slightly nutty bite. The key is using fully cooked rice so the peppers bake evenly.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Canned pineapple chunks packed in juice work perfectly and save time. Just drain them lightly so the filling doesn’t become watery.
Are teriyaki pineapple chicken stuffed peppers kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet teriyaki sauce and pineapple make this dish very appealing to kids. You can reduce the sauce slightly if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers bring together sweet, savory, and comforting flavors in one colorful dish. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and juicy pineapple tucked inside soft baked peppers, this recipe feels special while staying easy enough for any night of the week. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep ready, and flexible with simple ingredient swaps. Once you try these stuffed peppers, they’re likely to become a regular favorite that makes dinner feel both fun and comforting.