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.