Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the sweet and savory taste of pineapple juice and soy sauce. Infused with garlic, fresh ginger, and brown sugar, the marinated chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for outdoor barbecues or family dinners. The recipe is easy to follow and brings the flavors of the islands straight to your table.
Overview of the Recipe
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is an ideal meal for those who love a balance of sweetness and savoriness. The teriyaki marinade, which features soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, gives the chicken a rich depth of flavor. The chicken thighs are marinated for several hours, allowing the sauce to penetrate deeply, and then grilled to achieve that irresistible smoky char. The combination of juicy grilled chicken with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar makes this dish a standout.
History and Origin
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique in which foods are grilled, broiled, or pan-fried after being marinated in a soy sauce-based glaze. The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese words teri, meaning “shine” (referring to the glossy finish of the sauce), and yaki, meaning “grilled.” While teriyaki originated in Japan, it became popular in Hawaii due to the state’s large Japanese-American population and the blending of various cuisines on the islands. The addition of pineapple in this Hawaiian adaptation adds a tropical twist that complements the sweet and salty flavors of traditional teriyaki, making it a perfect match for grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The rich flavor of chicken thighs works best for this recipe, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- 1 cup soy sauce – The base of the teriyaki sauce, providing a salty umami flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken while grilling.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – Provides a tangy and sweet element that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped – Adds a rich, savory depth to the marinade.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced – Offers a zesty kick and complements the sweetness of the sauce.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl or gallon-sized Ziploc bag, place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and set them aside.
2. Make the Marinade
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, 4 chopped garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Marinate the Chicken
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken thighs in the Ziploc bag (or bowl). If using a Ziploc bag, remove any excess air before sealing it tightly. If you’re using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to minimize air exposure.
- Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, though for best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to fully absorb.
4. Prepare the Grill
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the bag or bowl and discard the marinade that was in contact with the raw chicken.
- Preheat your grill to a medium heat (about 350-375°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, prepare a two-zone fire with coals on one side for direct grilling and an area without coals for indirect cooking.
5. Simmer the Reserved Marinade
- Pour any leftover marinade into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. This simmered marinade will be used to baste the chicken as it grills.
6. Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, brushing the chicken with the hot marinade as it cooks. Be sure not to reuse the brush or marinade that has touched the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
7. Serve the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a baking dish and pour any remaining hot marinade over the top for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the extra teriyaki sauce.
- Grilled pineapple rings for a sweet and smoky complement.
- Fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad to add a refreshing crunch.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls to make mini sliders or just enjoy alongside the chicken.
To complete the meal, serve a refreshing drink like coconut water or a tropical fruit punch to emphasize the island vibe.
Variations of the Recipe
There are several ways to adapt this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe to suit your taste:
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time, as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a bit of heat to your teriyaki sauce by mixing in sriracha or red pepper flakes with the marinade.
- Honey Teriyaki: Swap out some of the brown sugar with honey for a different type of sweetness.
- Vegetable Additions: You can grill vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the chicken for a more complete meal.
Health Benefits Notes
This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe provides several health benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken thighs offer a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues in the body.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Pineapple juice adds vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Low Fat: While chicken thighs are slightly fattier than chicken breasts, they still offer a relatively low-fat option when compared to other meats. Grilling the chicken helps to reduce fat content even further, making this a healthier option than frying.
- Ginger: Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can boost the immune system and aid in digestion.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time closely, as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but for the most flavor, marinate overnight. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
3. Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute tamari for soy sauce. For a lower sodium alternative, use low-sodium soy sauce.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. You can also grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it gently on the grill or in the oven.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings the taste of the tropics to your home. With its delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or a family dinner anytime. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Paired with rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh salad, it makes for a well-rounded and flavorful meal that everyone will love.