This Easy Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! Sweet teriyaki sauce and juicy chicken combine to bring a little island joy to your dinner table.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy. Perfect for summer nights when you want something delicious without too much fuss. 🍗🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are my favorite for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but remember they tend to dry out more easily.
Soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from becoming too salty. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Brown sugar: This adds a nice caramelization when grilled. If you want less sugar, coconut sugar is a good substitute, or you can use honey but adjust the amount because it’s sweeter.
Pineapple juice: Fresh juice will give the best flavor, but canned juice works too. If you’re out, orange juice can add a different but nice twist to the marinade.
Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced gives the best taste. If you don’t have fresh on hand, you can use garlic and ginger paste, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
How do I ensure my chicken is juicy and flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken lies in marinating and grilling correctly. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but 2-4 hours is best. This will infuse flavor and moisture.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; space the chicken for even cooking.
- Baste the chicken during grilling with reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is the magic number!
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes off the grill to allow juices to redistribute.
Easy Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for tang)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you can, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours to maximize flavor! Grilling usually takes around 12 to 15 minutes, making this a total time commitment of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar (if you want a little extra tang), and oil. This is your teriyaki marinade that will infuse all that yummy flavor into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. If you have time, letting it sit for 2 to 4 hours will yield the best results!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for that delicious grilled flavor and perfect char.
4. Prepare to Grill:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, but don’t rinse it! Reserve the marinade for basting while grilled.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade occasionally for extra flavor.
6. Check for Doneness:
Grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be nicely charred with caramelized grill marks, indicating it’s ready to come off the grill.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled Hawaiian teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, juicy grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh salad for a delightful tropical touch. Enjoy your meal!
This recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian teriyaki glaze, making it a perfect easy and delicious grilled dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just be aware that they can dry out more easily, so be sure to watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating for the full duration to keep them juicy.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 2 to 4 hours is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be less intense.
What should I do with leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and make sure to marinate the chicken as directed for best flavor.
