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+ servings

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy, caramelized chicken thighs in a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce with pineapple. An easy island-inspired dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Asian-Inspired, Chicken, Dinner, Grilling
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade and Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup soy sauce use low-sodium if desired
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for slurry, if desired
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil for skillet method
For Garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
  • pineapple slices or chunks grilled, optional

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for a deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
  1. For grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the thighs are nicely charred.
  2. For skillet cooking: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce
  1. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce turns glossy and thickens slightly.
Serve
  1. Slice the cooked chicken, drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional grilled pineapple. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid dryness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. To make ahead, prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Avoid overcrowding the pan when skillet-cooking to ensure good browning. For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light. Serve with a side of macaroni salad or coconut rice for a true Hawaiian plate lunch feel.

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