Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and slightly sweet dish inspired by the flavors of the Hawaiian islands. It typically combines marinated chicken with a tangy teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little spice)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has grill marks.
- Optionally, you can baste the chicken with more marinade during the grilling process for extra flavor, but be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken and serve it with fresh pineapple chunks, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions for a beautiful finish.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed rice or with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can also serve it with a side of salad or Hawaiian-style coleslaw for extra crunch.
Enjoy your Hawaiian-inspired teriyaki chicken, full of tropical sweetness and savory goodness!
