Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a taste of the islands right in your own backyard. This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with a touch of tropical flair. Grilled to perfection, it’s a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any outdoor barbecue or luau-themed gathering. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for grilling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the marinade.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat.
- Stir well and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Allow the marinade to cool completely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the cooled teriyaki marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, 2-4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
3. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last few minutes of grilling, add pineapple rings to the grill and cook until they have grill marks and are slightly caramelized.
5. Serve:
- Remove the grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve the chicken with grilled pineapple rings on the side.
6. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your taste of the tropics with this flavorful and juicy grilled teriyaki chicken.
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is an enticing dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your backyard grill. The sweet and savory teriyaki marinade is a tropical taste explosion when combined with juicy grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple rings. This recipe will transport you to a beachside paradise whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a taste of Hawaii.