Description
This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and fresh ginger. Grilled or pan-cooked to perfection and optionally served with a thickened teriyaki sauce, it’s a sweet and savory dish that transports you straight to the islands.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For Optional Sauce Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
For Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to maximize the flavor infusion.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to caramelize the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and grill or pan-cook them for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and nicely caramelized on the outside.
- Make the optional sauce: While the chicken is cooking, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken thighs, drizzle with the thickened sauce if using, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Serve this dish alongside steamed white rice, creamy macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
- Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, but boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as an alternative; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors and produce the best results.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness of the dish.
