If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe is pure magic. I absolutely love how the sweet tang of pineapple pairs with savory teriyaki chicken, all nestled inside tender roasted bell peppers. It’s colorful, comforting, and downright delicious — perfect for brightening up a busy evening or impressing friends at a casual dinner.
What makes this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe stand out is how effortlessly it balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that satisfies without a ton of fuss. When I first tried this combo, my family went crazy for it, and I think you’ll find it just as addictive once you give it a go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Meal: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients, perfect for busy nights.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki bring an irresistible combination to the dish.
- Family Friendly: My whole family loves it — even picky eaters!
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap proteins or adjust spices to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe come together to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture — fresh peppers for crunch, juicy pineapple for sweetness, and tender chicken with savory rice. Shopping tip: look for colorful bell peppers and good-quality teriyaki sauce as they really boost the flavor.
- Bell peppers: Choose large, firm peppers that can hold the stuffing well and roast evenly.
- Olive oil: Helps soften the peppers and adds a subtle richness.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
- Cooked rice: Any white or brown rice works, and having it pre-cooked is key for timing.
- Canned pineapple tidbits: Drained well to avoid soggy filling but packed with sweet tanginess.
- Teriyaki sauce: The star of the savory-sweet combo—taste test yours to balance saltiness and sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder: A subtle enhancer to round out the flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground works best for a little kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a golden, bubbly top.
- Green onions (optional): For a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds nutty crunch and makes it look extra special.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s so flexible — you can make it your own with just a few tweaks, and I encourage you to play around with flavors that suit you.
- Protein Swap: I’ve swapped chicken for ground turkey or even diced tofu for a vegetarian spin that my friends actually couldn’t tell was meatless.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the filling provides a nice heat contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- Cheese Blend: Sometimes I mix mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack to get a more layered cheesy flavor.
- Rice Alternatives: Quinoa works well too if you want a higher protein or gluten-free option.
How to Make Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Soften the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your bell peppers in half and remove all the seeds and membranes so they’re ready to be filled. Drizzle with a little olive oil and place them cut-side up in a baking dish. Roast for about 10 minutes just to soften them slightly — this step ensures they won’t be crunchy after stuffing and finishing.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the peppers are roasting, combine your shredded cooked chicken, cooked rice, drained pineapple tidbits, and teriyaki sauce in a large bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then mix everything until the ingredients are evenly coated. This filling bursts with flavor and a wonderful texture mix — the secret is making sure every bite has a little bit of everything.
Step 3: Stuff and Cheese
Take the peppers out of the oven carefully—they’ll be hot! Using a spoon, stuff each pepper half generously with the chicken and rice mixture. I find pressing the filling down gently helps keep it packed nicely so it doesn’t fall out. Top each stuffed pepper with a good handful of shredded mozzarella cheese — this is what makes the meal extra indulgent and golden when baked.
Step 4: Bake Until Melty and Tender
Pop the stuffed peppers back into the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling, golden cheese and peppers that are perfectly tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t brown too much — ovens can vary!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Remove the peppers and let them cool just a bit before garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The fresh green onions add a lovely brightness that balances the richness, while sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch. Serve these lovely stuffed peppers warm and enjoy the happy smiles they bring.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Drain Pineapple Well: To avoid soggy filling, make sure you drain pineapple tidbits thoroughly before mixing.
- Use Leftover Chicken: It’s a great way to turn leftovers into a fresh new meal with minimal prep.
- Pack the Filling Tight: Pressing the stuffing helps keep everything together and the peppers looking full and appealing.
- Watch the Cheese: Check the oven in the last 5 minutes to prevent cheese from burning and ensure a perfect golden top.
How to Serve Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for thinly sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — they add such a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I toss on a few cilantro leaves for a herbaceous twist that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Simple steamed broccoli or snap peas work beautifully for a healthy green side. You might also enjoy a crisp Asian slaw or a light cucumber salad that cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, try arranging the stuffed peppers on a large, colorful platter surrounded by extra pineapple chunks and green onion curls. I’ve also served these in individual mini pepper halves for bite-sized appetizers at parties — they’re a total crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the garnishes separate and add them fresh when reheating to keep that crisp brightness.
Freezing
I have frozen these stuffed peppers successfully by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to keep them tasting fresh and melty.
Reheating
Oven reheating is my go-to to maintain tenderness and melty cheese — 350°F for about 15 minutes does the trick. You can cover with foil initially to keep moisture in and uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese again.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are classic for stuffing due to their size and sweetness, you can experiment with poblano or even large sweet Italian peppers. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some peppers might be firmer or have a stronger flavor.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for cubed firm tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Make sure to marinate or season alternatives well to maintain the teriyaki flavor balance. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more texture.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and stuff the peppers a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. This is great for busy days when you want to save steps but still enjoy a warm, fresh meal.
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What can I serve with Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers?
Light sides like steamed greens, Asian slaw, or a simple cucumber salad complement this dish perfectly. You want to balance the rich stuffing with fresh, crisp veggies or tangy salads.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s that rare combo of easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s bright and fun but comfortable enough to feel like home-cooked goodness. If you want a recipe that feels like a celebration but isn’t complicated, I genuinely can’t recommend this one enough — try it soon and get ready for compliments!
PrintTeriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers feature tender bell peppers filled with a sweet and savory mixture of shredded chicken, rice, pineapple tidbits, and teriyaki sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, they make a delicious and colorful meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Peppers and Preparation
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the peppers: Place the halved bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then bake for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Make the filling: While the peppers are baking, mix the cooked chicken, cooked rice, drained pineapple tidbits, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
- Stuff the peppers: Remove the peppers from the oven after 10 minutes. Carefully stuff each pepper half with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing the filling down gently to pack it well.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake again: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden, and the peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Swap the chicken for ground turkey or tofu to create a vegetarian version.
- This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences.
- Using pre-cooked chicken and rice helps speed up the preparation time.
- Make sure to drain the pineapple tidbits well to avoid soggy filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg