Description
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet and savory grilled chicken dish marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then cooked to caramelized perfection. Popular in Hawaiian plate lunches, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice and macaroni salad.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until fully cooked and slightly charred (internal temperature 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan for 5–7 minutes until reduced.
- Chicken can also be cooked in a skillet or baked at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Traditionally served with white rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian