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Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mirin, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the sugar dissolves completely to create a smooth, flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Baste with extra marinade during cooking for added flavor.
  3. Caramelize: In the last minute or two of grilling, allow the chicken to caramelize slightly, giving it that signature teriyaki glaze.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

  1. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh and flavorful finish.
  3. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice, with grilled pineapple slices, or alongside a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

  • Marinate Longer for Best Flavor: While 30 minutes of marinating will impart good flavor, marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in an even more delicious dish.
  • Baste for Extra Flavor: During grilling, baste the chicken with extra marinade to build up the teriyaki glaze and keep the chicken moist.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts work well in this recipe, chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicy even if they cook a little longer on the grill.
  • Broil If Needed: If you don’t have a grill, you can also broil the chicken in the oven for a similar caramelized effect.

Variations

  • Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers for a fun, party-ready presentation.
  • Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken: If you don’t have access to a grill, pan-sear the chicken on the stovetop until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Add chunks of pineapple to the marinade or grill pineapple rings alongside the chicken for a tropical, sweet twist.

Pairing Suggestions

  • White or Brown Rice: A simple bed of steamed rice is the perfect base for soaking up the teriyaki sauce.
  • Grilled Pineapple: The sweet, smoky flavor of grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory teriyaki chicken.
  • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: For a truly authentic Hawaiian meal, serve the teriyaki chicken with a creamy, tangy macaroni salad on the side.

This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken offers a flavorful and tropical twist on the classic teriyaki dish. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and savory marinade, and the smoky char from the grill will transport you straight to the islands. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving a taste of Hawaii, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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