Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken recipe? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for those who love the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce combined with juicy, tender chicken. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1 cup of pineapple juice (or add pineapple chunks with juice)
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 5 cloves of mashed garlic
- 1 tablespoon of fresh, minced ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the desired amount of mashed garlic and minced ginger to the bowl, then add the chicken thighs.
- For best results, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days if time allows. If you’re in a hurry, you can boil the chicken in the sauce right after making it.
- Grill the chicken on high heat, then transfer it to a pot on the grill. Add a little fresh teriyaki sauce to the pot to steam the grilled chicken, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
Alternative cooking methods
- Stir-fry: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry in a large wok or skillet with a little sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sauce once the chicken is white on the outside, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Stove Top: Sear whole chicken thighs in a large skillet on each side until golden brown, then add the sauce and simmer until it has reduced.
- Crock Pot / Instant Pot: These methods may result in a watered-down sauce. To avoid this, simmer the sauce in a separate pot on the stove for 20-30 minutes until it thickens. Serve the chicken whole or shredded.
- Baked: Place chicken pieces in a baking dish, pour 1-2 cups of homemade teriyaki sauce over the top, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your teriyaki chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a classic Hawaiian plate lunch.
- Pair the chicken with a refreshing side of Hawaiian-style macaroni salad or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Grill some pineapple slices and serve them alongside the chicken for an extra burst of sweet, tropical flavor.
- Garnish your dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for added texture and flavor.
Variations
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers before grilling. Brush with extra teriyaki sauce while cooking for added flavor.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Stir-fry the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, for a complete, healthy meal.
- Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the sliced or shredded teriyaki chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a low-carb option.
- Teriyaki Chicken Sliders: Shred the cooked chicken and serve on small Hawaiian sweet rolls with a slice of grilled pineapple and a dollop of coleslaw for a fun, handheld appetizer.
Tips for Leftovers
- Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Use leftover teriyaki chicken to make a quick and tasty salad, sandwich, or rice bowl for lunch the next day.
In conclusion, this Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course with rice and sides or using it as a base for creative variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that will transport your taste buds to the islands with every bite.
No matter which cooking method you choose, always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a digital thermometer.
This Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. With its versatile cooking options and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a summer barbecue with friends and family.
