Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite

Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food—but this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice version takes the concept to delicious new heights. Bursting with sweet and savory flavors, these colorful bell peppers are filled with a vibrant mixture of juicy chicken, tender rice, and juicy pineapple all glazed in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce. It’s a complete meal packed into an edible bowl.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with nutrients. The combination of ginger, garlic, and teriyaki sauce gives it a distinct Asian-inspired flair, while the pineapple adds a hint of tropical sweetness that balances the umami richness of the chicken. It’s a dish that delivers comfort, freshness, and a little adventure—all in one bite.

Not only do these stuffed peppers taste incredible, but they’re also a smart way to use up leftover rice and veggies. Plus, you can easily adapt them to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven or prep them ahead of time for the week, they’re guaranteed to bring color and joy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Fusion – The teriyaki-pineapple combo offers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy.
2. Colorful and Nutritious – Bell peppers are high in vitamins and antioxidants, making this a health-conscious choice.
3. Family-Friendly – Mild flavors and customizable ingredients make it a hit for both kids and adults.
4. Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat easily for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
5. One Dish Wonder – Each pepper is a complete, balanced meal in itself—no sides required.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Shredded carrots
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or edamame for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheesy Twist: Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
• Grilled Option: Grill the peppers instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the shredded carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Pineapple

Stir in the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and teriyaki sauce. Mix well to coat all ingredients and let everything heat through, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Fill the Peppers

Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack them full.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes if you like a slight char.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use uniform-sized peppers so they cook evenly.
• Precook the rice to save time and ensure the right texture in the filling.
• Don’t overstuff the peppers to prevent spilling during baking.
• Cover with foil while baking to steam the peppers and keep them moist.
• Make your own teriyaki sauce for more control over sweetness and sodium.

How to Serve

Serve these stuffed peppers hot, straight from the oven, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color. They pair well with a light side salad or a simple cucumber sesame slaw. For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce or a splash of lime juice before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the peppers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Stuffed peppers can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap each pepper individually in foil and freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave them on medium power in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of diced chicken?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly in this recipe.

2. Are canned pineapple chunks okay to use?

Absolutely. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

4. What’s the best rice to use?

Any cooked rice works—white, brown, jasmine, or even quinoa.

5. Do I need to precook the bell peppers?

Not necessarily. Baking them covered ensures they become tender without precooking.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese as a topping.

7. How do I make homemade teriyaki sauce?

Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch slurry for a quick version.

8. What veggies can I substitute?

Zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli can be chopped and added to the filling.

9. Can I grill the peppers instead of baking?

Yes! Grill over medium heat until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.

10. How do I keep the peppers from tipping over in the dish?

Trim the bottoms slightly to help them sit flat without cutting through the base.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a vibrant, flavor-packed way to mix up your weeknight routine. With their sweet-savory filling, customizable ingredients, and eye-catching presentation, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding the family, or just treating yourself, these tropical-inspired stuffed peppers offer a satisfying twist on a familiar favorite.

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