Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of the islands with its sweet and savory flavors. This recipe brings together succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a rich teriyaki marinade, creating a dish that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
To prepare this Hawaiian delight, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 5 cloves of garlic, mashed
- 1 ginger root (2-3 slices cut thin and lengthwise)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the water and soy sauce. Add the sugar to the mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Incorporate the mashed garlic and ginger slices into the marinade.
- Submerge the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. You can marinate the chicken for up to 3 days for optimal flavor infusion. However, if time is of the essence, marinate for at least 24 hours.
- If you’re short on time, you can alternatively boil the chicken in the sauce immediately after preparing it.
- Grill the marinated chicken over hot heat until it is cooked to perfection.
- Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a pot on the grill. Pour a little fresh teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pot. This will create steam, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding pineapple juice to the marinade.
- To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the marinade according to your taste preferences.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor, and slice it thinly to allow its essence to infuse the marinade and chicken thoroughly.
Conclusion:
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that embodies the spirit of the islands. With its simple yet flavorful marinade and grilling technique, this recipe promises to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as part of a Hawaiian-inspired feast, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to paradise.
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can certainly substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from becoming dry. Additionally, chicken breasts may not be as moist and flavorful as thighs, but they will still absorb the delicious teriyaki marinade beautifully.
2. Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it for later use?
Certainly! The teriyaki sauce used in this recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This allows for convenient meal prep, especially if you plan to marinate the chicken for an extended period or if you want to have the sauce ready for future use. Just be sure to give the sauce a good stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.
3. Is it necessary to grill the chicken, or can I cook it using a different method?
While grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor and charred exterior, you can definitely cook the chicken using alternative methods if grilling is not an option. For instance, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also pan-fry the chicken on the stovetop over medium-high heat, flipping halfway through cooking, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Whichever method you choose, the key is to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?
Absolutely! Marinated chicken can be frozen for future use, making it a convenient option for meal prep. To freeze the marinated chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Make sure the chicken is completely submerged in the marinade to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or cooking according to your preferred method. The flavors will have intensified during the marinating process, resulting in a delicious and tender dish.
HAWAIIAN STYLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian
Description
This Hawaiian-Style Teriyaki Chicken is juicy, slightly sweet, and packed with umami flavor! Marinated in a savory-sweet soy sauce blend with pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic, this dish is grilled to perfection and perfect for serving with rice and macaroni salad.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (Aloha Shoyu for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Teriyaki Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl.
- Pour in the teriyaki marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
4. Make a Thick Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)
- In a small saucepan, heat the reserved marinade over medium heat.
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice the chicken and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple slices.
Notes
- Want more charred flavor? Use a charcoal grill for authentic smokiness.
- No grill? Pan-fry over medium heat or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
- Sweeter Teriyaki? Add extra pineapple juice or a splash of coconut milk.