This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or summer cookouts.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The homemade teriyaki marinade provides a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for grilling season but also adaptable for stovetop cooking or baking.
- Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness appeals to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
- Thicken the Sauce: While the chicken grills, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes. If youโd like a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in.
- Serve: Drizzle the thickened sauce over the grilled chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marination Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Breasts: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Oven-Baked: Bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF for 25-30 minutes.
- Spicy Twist: Add a touch of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze grilled chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. Add a little water or extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, bottled sauce works in a pinch, but homemade adds a fresher, more authentic flavor.
2. Whatโs the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and flavorful on the grill.
3. Can I cook this on a stovetop grill pan?
Absolutely! A grill pan over medium-high heat works well for this recipe.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the grilled chicken can be stored and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
6. Can I add vegetables to the grill?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, and pineapple slices pair wonderfully with the chicken.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double the marinade ingredients and chicken quantity. Grill in batches if necessary.
10. What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of the tropics at home. Its sweet and savory marinade, combined with the smoky grill flavor, creates a dish thatโs perfect for gatherings or family meals. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintHawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hawaiian-inspired grilled teriyaki chicken is packed with sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a backyard barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner. Marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce with a hint of tropical sweetness, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection. Serve with steamed rice and a side of grilled pineapple for a truly Hawaiian experience.
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved. - Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor. - Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375โ400ยฐF). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. - Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5โ7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF. Avoid overcrowding the grill. - Optional Step โ Glaze:
While grilling, you can brush the chicken with leftover marinade that has been boiled for 5 minutes to make it safe for consumption, creating a sticky glaze. - Serve:
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve hot with rice and grilled pineapple.
Notes
- For an even more authentic Hawaiian twist, use fresh pineapple juice and add chunks of pineapple to the grill alongside the chicken.
- This recipe also works well with chicken breasts, though thighs remain juicier and more flavorful on the grill.
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