This Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken gets a sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade, which pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor from the grill.
Whenever I make this dish, the tropical vibes take over. I pretend I’m on a beach somewhere, even if I’m just in my backyard! 🌴🌺 Enjoy it with rice for a meal that feels fancy yet fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide juicy flavor. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too, but can dry out more easily. For a different protein, try tofu or pork.
Soy Sauce: This is key for that classic teriyaki flavor. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and depth to the marinade. If you’re out, you can use white sugar, but brown sugar gives a richer flavor. Honey can also replace it, just adjust the quantity as needed.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient adds a nice fruity tang. If you don’t have any, orange juice or apple juice can work as substitutes while keeping a sweet flavor.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic create a wonderful aromatic flavor. You can use ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better for flavor.
How Do I Grill Chicken for Maximum Juiciness?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken every time!
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better. This really helps with flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat. A hot grill gives you great sear marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; leave space between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain the juices inside before you slice it up.
Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 2 hours to marinate—overnight is even better for more flavor! Grilling will take around 15 minutes. So altogether, set aside about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. This delicious marinade will give the chicken a sweet and savory flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl of marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or longer if you can. This is where the chicken soaks up all those wonderful flavors!
3. Prep for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess liquid drip off. This will help it grill beautifully!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). While they’re grilling, feel free to baste them with any leftover marinade to enhance the flavor!
5. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making the chicken nice and tender. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sliced chicken to a serving platter. Top it off with the chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted as chicken breasts cook faster, typically needing about 5-6 minutes per side.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or even apple juice as a substitute. For an extra tropical twist, mix a bit of coconut milk with either juice!
How Can I Store Leftover Marinade?
Leftover marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container. Just make sure it hasn’t come into contact with raw chicken. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months – perfect for your next grilling session!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which intensifies the flavor. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently to avoid drying it out!
