This Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor! The marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar makes the chicken juicy and delicious.
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just marinate, grill, and enjoy! I like to serve it with some rice and extra pineapple slices for a tropical treat. 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer chicken breasts, they’re an option too, but they may require careful cooking to keep them juicy.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty kick to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option or are gluten-free, tamari is an excellent substitute.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity since they are sweeter.
Pineapple Juice: This gives a fruity tang to the marinade. You can tinker with other fruit juices like mango juice if you’re looking for something different.
Fresh Ginger: Using fresh ginger adds a zesty aroma. Ground ginger could work in a pinch, but you’ll need less—about half a teaspoon, since it’s stronger.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken to perfection can be tricky. Here’s the key to juicy and flavorful chicken thighs:
- Marinate the chicken: Leave it soaking for at least 1 hour, but overnight enhances the flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken. This helps create those lovely grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Rest before serving: Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after grilling keeps it juicy inside.
How to Make Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled Hawaiian teriyaki chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate for the best flavor. After grilling, you’ll want to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, making the total time around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Teriyaki Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. This mixture will create a delicious marinade that gives the chicken its amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for more flavor, you can leave it overnight.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and you see those lovely grill marks!
4. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Once rested, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like. Enjoy your tasty 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 sure to adjust the grilling time slightly, as breasts may cook faster than thighs. Aim for about 5-7 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). This will still give a lovely sweet and tangy flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it briefly or warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for even more flavor. However, if you’re using a marinade with a high acid content (like soy sauce and vinegar), avoid marinating for longer than that to prevent the chicken from becoming too tender and mushy.
