Description
Succulent Hawaiian teriyaki chicken blends sweet and tangy flavors from Pacific Island cuisine. Juicy marinated meat grills to caramelized perfection, offering you a delicious taste of tropical culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (24 ounces) boneless and skinless chicken thighs
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Aromatics:
- 4 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
Instructions
- Unwrap chicken thighs and place them in a large container or sealed plastic bag, preparing for a flavor-packed marination journey.
- Craft the teriyaki marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar completely dissolves into a glossy liquid.
- Generously coat the chicken with the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly covered. Seal the container and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Meanwhile, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan.
- Simmer the marinade over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, reducing it to a thickened sauce and eliminating any potential bacterial risks. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Preheat grill to 400°F, creating distinct medium-high heat zones. Arrange chicken thighs on the grates, allowing each side 6-7 minutes of cooking time.
- Brush chicken with reduced teriyaki sauce during grilling, creating caramelized edges and enhancing overall flavor profile. Rotate pieces to ensure even charring.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining hot teriyaki sauce, and garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich teriyaki flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising the recipe’s delicious taste.
- Consider pounding chicken thighs to uniform thickness for even cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Prevent cross-contamination by using separate marinades for raw and cooked chicken, ensuring food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg