This Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a flavor explosion! It’s juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection. The pineapple adds a tropical twist!
I love serving this dish with rice and extra pineapple on the side. It’s like a mini-vacation on my plate! Who doesn’t love a taste of Hawaii without the airfare? 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, try boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they can dry out faster.
Soy Sauce: Traditionally, soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. I sometimes opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness while keeping flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice enhances the sweetness and tang. If that’s not available, canned pineapple juice or even orange juice can work as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely caramelization. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option, or even honey for a unique flavor, but adjust the quantity since honey is sweeter.
Sesame Oil: It adds nutty richness. If you don’t have sesame oil, olive oil can substitute, but you’ll miss that distinct taste. Toasted sesame oil is even better for an extra flavor punch!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to making your chicken packed with flavor. Allowing it to sit in the marinade helps it absorb the wonderful tastes, making it juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade well in a bowl to ensure the sugar dissolves and ingredients blend.
- Choose a suitable container: a resealable bag eliminates excess air, or a shallow dish allows full exposure.
- Always marinate in the fridge to keep the chicken safe from bacteria.
- For best results, aim for at least 1 hour; overnight gives a deeper flavor.
Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or longer if you prefer deeper flavor). Grilling will take around 12-14 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. This flavorful marinade will be perfect for infusing the chicken with that Hawaiian teriyaki taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, marinating overnight will give you the best flavor!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those nice grill marks and a good sear on the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade—it’s our job to keep the chicken tasty and safe! Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps keep the chicken juicy! Then, slice the chicken into strips and arrange them on a serving plate. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken warm, paired with extra pineapple slices or a side of rice if you want to make it a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe! However, keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster than thighs. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a slightly different flavor. Alternatively, you could use apple juice or a mixture of water and a bit of sugar for sweetness in a pinch.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave, or warm them gently on the grill to retain that grilled flavor!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to mix any settled ingredients. This is a great time-saver for meal prep!
