Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken! This dish is like a tropical vacation on your plate, bursting with sweet and savory flavors that just make my taste buds dance! I mean, who can resist juicy, grilled chicken thighs slathered in a rich teriyaki sauce? It’s easy to whip up, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners, and you can practically hear the waves crashing when you take that first bite! Plus, the pineapple juice in the marinade adds such a delightful twist that’s reminiscent of those sunny Hawaiian beaches. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming of island getaways every time you take a forkful. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish together!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most mouthwatering Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken! Trust me, they come together beautifully, and you’ll love how each one plays a role in that delicious glaze.
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless for the best flavor)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (this adds that lovely caramel sweetness)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh is fantastic, but canned works too!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (fresh ginger gives a lovely zing)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for that nutty richness)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for a fresh, crunchy garnish)
These ingredients blend together to create a marinade that’s not only easy to make but also absolutely packed with flavor. You’ll want to make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—let’s get this deliciousness underway!
How to Prepare Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Are you ready to dive into the deliciousness of Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken? This process is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be a hit every time! So, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved—this marinade is where the magic happens!
- Next, place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, and pour that amazing marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated! Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the longer, the better for flavor absorption.
- Now, while the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is key! You want that sizzle when the chicken hits the grill.
- Once your grill is hot and ready, take the chicken out and let any excess marinade drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and has those beautiful grill marks. Don’t forget to brush some of the leftover marinade on the chicken during grilling for extra flavor!
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy—nobody likes dry chicken, right?
- Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve! You’re in for a treat.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken that’ll make you feel like you’re on a beach in Hawaii with every bite. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken is not just another dinner option; it’s a flavor-packed experience you’ll want to savor again and again! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The marinade infuses the chicken with sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate.
- Grilling adds a delightful smoky char that elevates each bite to a whole new level.
- It’s versatile! Serve it with rice, grilled veggies, or even in a wrap for lunch the next day.
- This dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at your table.
- It brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen, making every meal feel like a mini vacation!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious dish!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, they can make all the difference!
- Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight! This will really deepen the flavors and make the chicken super tender.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside for a moist and flavorful bite.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe and juicy.
- Watch the Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is at medium-high heat. Too hot, and the outside will char before the inside cooks; too cool, and you won’t get those lovely grill marks!
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to add in some extra flavors! A splash of rice vinegar or a bit of chili paste can give it an exciting kick if you like a little heat.
- Don’t Waste Marinade: Brush the chicken with the remaining marinade while grilling, but remember to discard any that’s touched raw chicken to keep things safe!
With these tips in mind, you’ll impress everyone with your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for my delicious Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 28g
Now that you know what’s in it, you can enjoy this dish even more, knowing it’s not just tasty but also packed with protein to keep you fueled! Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
FAQ about Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken
Got questions about making the perfect Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you along the way.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work just fine. Just be sure to watch the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all! You can easily make this dish in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. If you’re using a skillet, just heat some oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s done. In the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade! It’ll give your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken, and you’re good to go!
What should I serve with Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken?
I love serving this dish with steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. You could even whip up a fresh salad or some pineapple salsa for a refreshing side. The possibilities are endless!
With these FAQs, you’re all set to create a delicious Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken that’ll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken ready to go, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to elevate your meal! I love pairing this dish with a fluffy bed of steamed rice—jasmine or basmati works beautifully, soaking up all that delicious teriyaki glaze. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try coconut rice for a tropical twist!
Grilled vegetables are another fantastic option. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus drizzled with a little olive oil and seasoning—so vibrant and tasty! You could also whip up a fresh pineapple salsa, mixing diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing side that complements the chicken perfectly.
For a light touch, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance out the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget about a crisp coleslaw for that extra crunch! Whatever you choose, these sides will surely enhance your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken experience. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of that delicious Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken (which is totally possible, but oh-so-hard to resist!), storing it properly is key to keeping all those wonderful flavors intact. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to stay on the safe side.
Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container. I like to layer it with some of the sauce to keep it nice and moist. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to label it if you have a lot of leftovers, so you know what’s what!
When you’re ready to enjoy your teriyaki chicken again, reheating it properly makes all the difference. I recommend using a skillet on the stovetop to reheat, as this method helps retain that juicy texture. Just add a splash of water or some extra teriyaki sauce in the pan, cover it with a lid, and heat it over medium-low until warmed through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If you prefer the microwave, go ahead! Just place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel (this prevents it from drying out), and heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds until it’s hot all the way through. Remember, the key is to avoid overheating, so it stays tender and juicy!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken as if it were fresh off the grill every single time. Happy eating!
Print
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken: 5 Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hawaiian style teriyaki chicken is a flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Brush with remaining marinade while grilling.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh pineapple in the marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: hawaiian style teriyaki chicken, grilled chicken, teriyaki sauce, easy chicken recipes