Check out a chicken recipe that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for any occasion.
If you love cooking and trying new foods, I recommend trying some Hawaiian recipes. Hawaiian cuisine tends to have sweet and fruity elements, even in its savory dishes. This recipe for Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is the perfect example of this lean toward sweetness: it provides a twist on traditional Teriyaki Sauce by including pineapple juice and brown sugar.
The key to this Hawaiian chicken teriyaki is the marinade. While the soy sauce provides a salty and savory element, it mixes well with the sweetness of the brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. Plus, the aromatic nature of the ginger and garlic provides even more depth and flavor. The other key is the use of chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts. Thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which is why Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor!
Is Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?
Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is relatively healthy, though this recipe may not be suitable for certain diets. Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, while ginger contains antioxidants, and garlic provides vitamins C and B6. A few areas of concern are the high amount of sugar and the sodium content in this recipe. If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to use “light” or no-added-sugar pineapple juice, and your favorite sugar alternative in place of the brown sugar. Also, using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce can cut down the sodium even further than low-sodium soy sauce.
More Time With The Marinade…
As I mentioned above, the marinade is a vital element of this dish. The best thing you can do with Hawaiian teriyaki chicken is to marinate the chicken for a good amount of time. The recipe says to marinate for at least 4 hours, but consider allowing it to marinate overnight. I would also recommend setting aside some of the marinade before adding the chicken. Once you’ve grilled the chicken thighs, put them in a serving dish with the extra marinade so the chicken continues to soak up those flavors.
How to make ahead and store
If there are leftover pieces of Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend making Hawaiian side dishes to serve alongside Hawaiian teriyaki chicken. I love this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with my chicken. You can also keep things simple by putting the chicken on a bed of Steamed Rice, or perhaps on top of some delicious Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice. If you really want to embrace Hawaiian cuisine, consider making a Blue Hawaiian to drink with your chicken or making Air-Fryer Pineapple Rings for dessert.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill each side for about 5-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling, then slice chicken and sprinkle on green onions. Serve with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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