Description
This Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is glazed with a thickened teriyaki sauce, delivering a tropical, sweet-savory flavor inspired by island cuisine. Ideal for an easy and delicious main course, it’s perfect served with coconut rice or grilled pineapple for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Sauce (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade in a separate container for the sauce glaze later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken. This ensures a nice sear and grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has attractive grill marks.
- Prepare the Sauce Glaze: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering marinade to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken to enhance flavor and create a glossy coating.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken as desired, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Serve this dish with coconut rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a tropical slaw to complete the island-inspired meal experience.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or use skewered chicken chunks instead of thighs for variation.
- For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch slurry quantity according to preference.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors but a minimum of 2 hours works well.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
