Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Island-Style Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious twist on the classic teriyaki dish, blending sweet and savory flavors with a tropical flair. Marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this chicken is grilled to perfection and then simmered in its own marinade for extra tenderness and flavor.

Paired with rice or noodles, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering.

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken thighs (Boneless, skinless)

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup water

1 cup brown sugar

5 cloves garlic (3-5 cloves, minced)

1 ginger root (2-3 slices, thinly sliced lengthwise

Instructions:

Step 1:

Mix the water and soy sauce together, then add the brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved.

Add the sliced ginger and minced garlic into the mixture.

Step 2:

Place the chicken thighs into the marinade.

Allow the chicken to marinate for 24 hours to up to 3 days for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3:

After the marination is complete, place the chicken on a grill and cook to your preferred doneness.

Put a small pan on the grill, pour in the marinade, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4:

Once the chicken is done grilling, place it into the simmering marinade.

This step steams the chicken, making it even juicier and more flavorful.

Step 5:

Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your meal!

Notes:

Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours, but it can go up to 3 days. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will infuse into the chicken.

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt level of the dish. Regular soy sauce can be quite salty.

Ginger: Fresh ginger slices add a distinct zing to the marinade. If you prefer a milder ginger flavor, reduce the amount or use ginger powder as a substitute.

Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste. More garlic will bring a bolder, savory flavor to the dish.

Grilling Tip: To prevent burning, make sure to keep the grill temperature moderate. The sugar in the marinade can cause the chicken to caramelize quickly.

Marinade Sauce: Boiling the leftover marinade ensures it’s safe to use as a sauce after grilling. Don’t skip this step to avoid contamination.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or lo mein noodles. For an extra touch of island flavor, serve with a side of pineapple or grilled vegetables.

Garnish: Fresh green onions or sesame seeds make a great garnish for a finishing touch of flavor and presentation.

Leftovers: The chicken tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Variations: Try adding pineapple juice or fresh pineapple chunks to the marinade for a sweeter, more tropical twist.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 piece

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness.

Chicken breasts may turn out slightly drier, so you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You should marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours for the best flavor.

The maximum recommended marinating time is 3 days.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How do I prevent the sugar in the marinade from burning on the grill?

Cook the chicken over medium heat, and watch carefully.

You can also cook indirectly by placing the chicken away from direct flames and using the marinade to baste the chicken occasionally.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months.

Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, lo mein noodles, or grilled vegetables.

A side of pineapple or a light green salad also complements the flavors.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce for a gluten-free option?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce in this recipe.

Can I add pineapple to the marinade?

Yes, adding pineapple juice or fresh pineapple chunks will give the dish a sweet and tropical twist.

However, avoid marinating for too long with pineapple juice, as the acidity can break down the meat.

How can I make the dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a diced chili pepper to the marinade for extra heat.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Absolutely! This teriyaki marinade works well with pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Adjust the cooking time according to the protein.