Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Stuffed Peppers

The blend of juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce tucked into vibrant bell peppers makes this dish both eye-catching and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or prepping for the week, this recipe offers layers of flavor in each bite.

Not only is this stuffed pepper dish easy to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable. Swap in brown rice for extra fiber or go low-carb with cauliflower rice. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños. It’s a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and hearty comfort food, baked to perfection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

  • 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

  3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until fully done, about 6–8 minutes.

  4. Add the pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce to the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and well coated.

  5. Stir in the cooked rice and green onions. Remove from heat.

  6. Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into the hollowed bell peppers. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.

  7. Place stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender.

  8. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes if you added cheese, to allow it to melt and bubble.

  9. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Stuffed Peppers is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the sweetness of tropical fruit, the savory richness of teriyaki sauce, the satisfying texture of rice, and the comforting taste of baked bell peppers. It’s a complete meal in one edible bowl—nutritionally balanced, visually beautiful, and incredibly delicious.

This recipe is the perfect union of Asian-inspired flavor and Western-style comfort food. It makes a great weeknight dinner, works well for meal prep, and is loved by both kids and adults. The best part? It’s super adaptable to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand in your kitchen.

The Story Behind the Dish

Stuffed peppers have long been a beloved staple in cuisines around the world—Italian, Mexican, Eastern European, and Mediterranean cultures all feature some version of vegetables filled with hearty mixtures. In this recipe, we give a tropical twist to the classic by incorporating juicy pineapple chunks and a savory-sweet teriyaki chicken and rice filling.

The Japanese-inspired teriyaki sauce—made traditionally from soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar—adds depth and umami, while the pineapple adds a burst of brightness that balances the saltiness. Bell peppers, when baked, become sweet and tender, making them the ideal vessel for the flavorful mixture. The result is a colorful, crowd-pleasing main course that feels both exotic and familiar.

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Once your chicken is cooked and mixed with the other filling ingredients, you’re just stuffing and baking. Minimal cleanup makes this a go-to for busy nights.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers reheat beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them an excellent lunch or dinner prep idea.
  • Well-Balanced Meal: Protein from the chicken, healthy carbs from rice, vitamins and fiber from bell peppers, and a touch of natural sugar from pineapple come together for a nutritionally rounded meal.
  • Beautiful Presentation: Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want to make dinner feel special, the bright colors and neatly stuffed peppers make a great impression on the plate.
  • Customizable: Vegetarian? Sub tofu or chickpeas. Low-carb? Use cauliflower rice. Spice lover? Add chili flakes or jalapeños. The base of the recipe is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of diets and flavor preferences.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This recipe doesn’t just deliver on taste—it also brings a number of health benefits:

  • Bell Peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants like beta-carotene, and fiber. They support immune health, skin clarity, and digestion.
  • Chicken Breast provides lean protein, which helps maintain muscle mass, supports metabolism, and keeps you full for longer.
  • Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and contains bromelain, an enzyme known to help digestion and reduce inflammation.
  • Rice (or a whole grain substitute like brown rice) offers energy, and when paired with the protein and fiber in this dish, it keeps blood sugar more stable.
  • Teriyaki Sauce (when used mindfully) enhances flavor without the need for excessive fats or heavy cream-based sauces.

How to Serve It

These stuffed peppers can be served on their own as a complete meal or alongside a few easy sides:

  • A simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Roasted broccoli or stir-fried greens complement the Asian flavors perfectly.
  • For something heartier, serve with a bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup.

And don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro right before serving—it adds that final layer of flavor and visual flair.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers

  • Pre-cook the Peppers (optional): For even softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes before stuffing and baking.
  • Don’t Overstuff: Leave a little room at the top of the pepper so the filling doesn’t overflow while baking.
  • Foil Cover First, Then Uncover: Covering the peppers for most of the baking time allows them to soften without drying out, while the final 5 minutes uncovered lets the top get golden and delicious.
  • Make It Cheesy: While the cheese is optional, it adds a rich, gooey layer that makes this dish feel extra comforting.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations you can experiment with:

  • Asian Fusion: Add shredded carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts to the filling for a crunchier texture.
  • Mexican-Inspired: Swap teriyaki sauce for salsa, add black beans, and top with cheddar for a Tex-Mex version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use riced cauliflower instead of rice to reduce the carbs without losing flavor or satisfaction.
  • Vegan Version: Use tofu or a plant-based meat alternative, and swap teriyaki sauce for a vegan version with coconut aminos.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dish is ideal for meal prep:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Freezer: Freeze the stuffed, unbaked peppers on a tray until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes.
  • Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for later. It’s a great way to stay ahead during busy weeks.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This dish is great for:

  • Families with picky eaters (the sweetness of pineapple is a big win with kids!)
  • Busy professionals needing a healthy meal prep option
  • Anyone craving Asian-inspired flavors in a hearty, wholesome package
  • Home cooks looking for new ways to use leftover chicken or rice

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and hard to mess up. And the end result? A meal that hits the sweet, savory, and satisfying trifecta.

Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Stuffed Peppers is a dish that brings together diverse influences and flavors in the most delicious way. It’s a perfect example of how global ingredients can blend into something familiar yet exciting. Colorful, comforting, nutritious, and customizable—this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Not only does it deliver on flavor and presentation, but it also simplifies dinner planning, reduces food waste by using up leftover rice or chicken, and brings a little joy to your table with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor, these Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Stuffed Peppers are the perfect solution. With a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, a colorful presentation, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prepping, and endlessly customizable to suit your dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying it as leftovers the next day, each bite offers comfort, nutrition, and a touch of tropical flair. Add this recipe to your weekly rotation—you won’t be disappointed!

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