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
Units
Scale
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.