Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious, sweet, and savory dish that perfectly balances the tropical flavors of pineapple with the rich umami of soy sauce and brown sugar. The chicken thighs are marinated to infuse flavor, then grilled to perfection, giving them a caramelized glaze that’s irresistible. This easy recipe is ideal for summer barbecues, family dinners, or when you crave the flavors of the Hawaiian islands.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Set aside.
• In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, chopped garlic, and minced ginger. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken thighs. If you’re using a Ziploc bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing it tightly. If you’re using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to make it as air-tight as possible.
• Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This will allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade for Cooking

• Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the bowl or bag and set it aside. Do NOT discard the marinade.
• Pour the leftover marinade into a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This will reduce the marinade slightly and intensify its flavors while also making it safe to use for basting the chicken.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing some of the simmered marinade over the chicken as it cooks. Important: After you’ve brushed the marinade onto the chicken, do not dip the brush back into the saucepan to avoid cross-contamination.
• Continue grilling the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The outside of the chicken should be caramelized and slightly charred from the sugars in the marinade.

Step 4: Finish the Chicken

• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and place it in a serving dish.
• Pour the remaining hot teriyaki marinade over the cooked chicken to add extra flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken

• Serve the Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Note:

• Marination Time: While a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient to infuse flavor, letting the chicken marinate overnight will give the best results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
• Simmering the Marinade: Simmering the leftover marinade is crucial as it not only thickens it slightly but also eliminates any harmful bacteria from the raw chicken.
• Grill Temperature: Keeping your grill at a medium-high temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without burning the sugars in the marinade too quickly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Hawaiian Plate: Serve the grilled teriyaki chicken with a side of steamed white rice, macaroni salad, and grilled pineapple slices for a traditional Hawaiian-style meal.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the chicken with a tropical fruit salad made with mango, papaya, and avocado for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the savory chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a healthy and balanced meal.
• Tacos or Wraps: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps, topped with fresh slaw and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Tips:

• Pineapple Juice Substitute: If you don’t have fresh pineapple juice, canned juice works perfectly fine. Just make sure it’s 100% juice and not syrup.
• Chicken Substitutions: If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb the marinade better.
• Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, basting with the simmered marinade halfway through. Finish with a quick broil to get that grilled effect.
• Make Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes (plus marination time)

Cooking Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 25 minutes (excluding marination time)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 10g

Conclusion:

Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken brings the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, enhanced by the rich umami of soy sauce and the tropical essence of pineapple juice. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep. The juicy chicken thighs are infused with a delicious marinade, grilled to perfection, and topped with a flavorful glaze that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or as a taco filling to bring a taste of the islands to your table.

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