Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

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Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: A Tropical Twist to Your Grill Night! 🌴🍍🔥

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction:

Craving something tropical and flavorful for your next grill night? This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is bursting with a blend of sweet and savory flavors, bringing the tastes of Hawaii straight to your backyard. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection—it’s a delicious, island-inspired meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic creates a luscious marinade that soaks deep into the chicken, delivering layers of rich flavor in every bite. Whether you’re grilling up a family dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice (fresh or from a can)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Fresh pineapple slices (for grilling, optional)
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Tropical Flavors: The pineapple-infused teriyaki sauce brings a delightful sweetness balanced by the savory soy and sesame.
  • Quick and Easy: With a short prep time and just 15 minutes on the grill, this recipe is ideal for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
  • Versatile: Serve with rice, salad, or grilled veggies—the options are endless!

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and honey.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the marinade. This helps coat the chicken more evenly.

2. Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Reserve the other half for basting or serving.
  • Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • If you’re grilling pineapple slices, now is the time to get them ready! Lightly brush them with oil to keep them from burning.

4. Grill the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.

5. Grill the Pineapple (Optional)

  • Add pineapple slices to the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they have beautiful grill marks and are slightly caramelized.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Once the chicken is done, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of color and crunch. Serve alongside grilled pineapple slices, rice, or your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Hawaiian Vibes: Serve with coconut rice and a fresh tropical fruit salad (think mango, papaya, and pineapple).
  • Grilled Veggies: Pair with grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete and balanced meal.
  • Island-Style Tacos: Slice the chicken thinly and serve in tacos with pineapple salsa and avocado for a fun twist!

Pro Tips for Grilling Teriyaki Chicken:

  1. Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will soak into the meat.
  2. Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill than breasts, but you can use either cut depending on your preference.
  3. Control the Heat: Keep an eye on the grill! The sugar in the teriyaki sauce can caramelize quickly and may cause the chicken to burn if the heat is too high.

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well, though they might need slightly less time on the grill to prevent drying out.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making my own?
Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought teriyaki sauce works great. Just be mindful that homemade sauce allows for better control over flavor and sweetness.

How do I thicken the marinade for basting?
If you want a thicker sauce to baste or serve, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reduces. You can also add cornstarch (as mentioned earlier) for a thicker consistency.

Customization Ideas:

  • Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Mix in some BBQ sauce with the teriyaki for a fusion of flavors.
  • Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the grilled chicken in lettuce leaves and top with pineapple salsa.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken:

This recipe transports you straight to the tropics with every bite! The sweet, tangy, and savory flavors come together in perfect harmony, making it an irresistible choice for summer grilling or a family-friendly meal. Whether you’re planning a special BBQ or just want to bring a little island magic to your dinner table, this Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a must-try!

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