Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Cashew Pineapple Rice Medley
Elevate your dinner table with this savory Grilled Teriyaki Chicken accompanied by a delightful Cashew Pineapple Rice Medley. This dish combines the sweet and tangy flavors of teriyaki sauce and pineapple with the crunchy texture of cashews, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The grilled chicken marinates overnight, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply, while the rice medley brings a touch of the tropics to your plate. Optional flavorful vegetables add color and nutrition, making this dish not only delicious but visually stunning.
N/A
Servings
362.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Teriyaki sauce
1 cup (none)
Pineapple juice
3/4 cup (none)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Italian salad dressing
1/2 cup (none)
Boneless chicken breast
1 - 1.5 lb (cut into portions if desired)
Cooked rice
4 servings (cooked as per package instructions)
Crushed pineapple
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Cashew pieces
3/4 cup (none)
Vegetables (your choice)
various (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian dressing. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat and then remove from heat to cool. Once cooled, divide the marinade in half.
2
Marinate 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts or tenders in one half of the cooled marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Prepare cooked white rice for 4 servings according to package instructions.
4
Preheat your grill or broiler. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, discard the marinade, and grill or broil the chicken until fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
5
Once the rice is cooked, drain the can of crushed pineapple and stir it in along with 3/4 cup of cashew pieces into the rice, mixing well to combine.
6
In a small saucepan, reheat the remaining half of the marinade, bringing it to a simmer.
7
Serve the grilled chicken over the cashew pineapple rice, drizzled with the warmed marinade. Add a side of your favorite cooked vegetables or serve the vegetables separately to accommodate personal preferences.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Cashew Pineapple Rice Medley?
It is a savory and sweet dish featuring marinated grilled chicken served over a tropical rice blend containing crushed pineapple and crunchy cashew pieces.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best infusion of flavors, the chicken should marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
What ingredients are in the teriyaki marinade?
The marinade consists of teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian salad dressing.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute the 1-1.5 lbs of chicken breasts with boneless chicken tenders or thighs if preferred.
How do I prepare the rice medley?
Cook four servings of white rice according to package instructions, then stir in a drained 4-ounce can of crushed pineapple and 3/4 cup of cashew pieces.
Is the marinade used for both cooking and serving?
The marinade is divided in half: one portion is used for the raw chicken (then discarded), and the other half is simmered separately to be used as a sauce.
How many calories are in a serving?
This recipe contains approximately 362.5 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains about 11.25g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides approximately 25g of protein.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
The chicken typically takes 6 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh pineapple as long as you drain any excess juice before adding it to the rice.
What kind of vinegar should I use for the marinade?
Standard white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well for this recipe.
Are the cashews supposed to be raw or roasted?
You can use either, but roasted cashew pieces provide a deeper flavor and better crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian dressing are certified gluten-free.
What type of rice is best for the medley?
Standard white rice is recommended, but Jasmine or Basmati rice also pairs beautifully with these tropical flavors.
Should I boil the marinade before using it?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify to bring the marinade mixture to a boil and then let it cool before dividing it.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots are excellent choices to serve alongside the chicken and rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on a sweet and tangy flavor profile rather than heat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can mix and boil the marinade a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What is the purpose of the Italian dressing in the marinade?
The Italian dressing adds acidity and a blend of herbs that enhances the overall savory profile of the teriyaki.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I bake the chicken if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can broil the chicken in the oven or bake it at 400°F until cooked through.
What can I substitute for cashew pieces?
Sliced almonds or macadamia nuts are great alternatives if you don't have cashews.
Is the brown sugar necessary?
The brown sugar helps balance the vinegar and allows the chicken to caramelize slightly on the grill.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the raw chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the rice medley?
Reheat in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of water or extra pineapple juice to keep the rice from drying out.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the sweet pineapple and mild teriyaki flavors make it a very kid-friendly meal.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed?
Yes, though crushed pineapple distributes more evenly through the rice than larger chunks.
What if I don't have pineapple juice for the marinade?
You can use the liquid drained from the canned crushed pineapple to fulfill the juice requirement.