Description
This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and garlic, then grilled or pan-cooked to caramelized perfection. The optional thickened sauce adds an extra burst of sweet and savory goodness, making it an ideal main course for an island-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 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
Optional Sauce Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
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 freshly grated ginger until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and caramelization on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or cook the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nicely caramelized exterior.
- Make the Optional Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to cook off raw flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken hot, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Delicious served with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple for a true Hawaiian experience.
- Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, but you can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred—just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly but 2 hours minimum also works well.
- The optional sauce thickening step adds a lovely glaze but can be skipped if you prefer a lighter drizzle.
