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+ servings

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, grilled or pan-seared to perfection. An island-inspired dinner favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Grilling, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Marinade and Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Chicken and Garnishes
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6 thighs
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil for skillet, like avocado or canola
  • 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted, for garnish
  • optional grilled pineapple slices for serving

Method
 

Make 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 crushed red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
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; reserve the remaining half in the refrigerator for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
  1. For the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred.
  2. For the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the Sauce
  1. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. If you like a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Serve
  1. Slice the cooked chicken against the grain. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional grilled pineapple. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1050mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To make ahead, marinate the chicken overnight; the sauce can also be prepared a day in advance and reheated.
Avoid overcooking the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without drying out.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Grilled pineapple makes a fantastic side: brush slices with a little oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a splash of sriracha.

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