This lighter version of teriyaki chicken combines lean chicken breast, sweet pineapple, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s designed to be WeightWatchers-friendly while still delivering plenty of flavor.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar-free maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For the Stir-Fry
- 1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving (Optional)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Set both aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the pan in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add:
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Snap peas
- Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 4: Add Pineapple
- Add pineapple chunks.
- Cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to warm and lightly caramelize.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture.
- Stir well.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and mix.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over brown rice or enjoy on its own for a lower-point meal.
WeightWatchers-Friendly Tips
- Use fresh pineapple for the lowest added-sugar option.
- Serve over cauliflower rice to reduce Points further.
- Use sugar-free maple syrup instead of honey if preferred.
- Measure rice portions carefully if tracking Points.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, Without Rice)
- Calories: 240–280
- Protein: 28–32 g
- Carbohydrates: 16–20 g
- Fat: 4–6 g
- Fiber: 2–4 g
Variations
Spicy Teriyaki
Add:
- 1 tsp sriracha
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Tropical Version
Add:
- 1 diced mango
- ½ red onion, sliced
Extra Veggies
Include:
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Baby corn
- Zucchini
