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+ servings

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy, caramelized chicken thighs in a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce with pineapple, perfect for grilling or baking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Grilling, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade and Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium if preferred
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted for best flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
For the Chicken and Garnish
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 cup grilled pineapple chunks optional, for serving

Method
 

Prepare 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 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, reserving the other half for the sauce. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
  1. For the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred.
  2. For the skillet: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce
  1. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve
  1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips, drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and grilled pineapple chunks if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 980mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. To make ahead, marinate the chicken overnight and prep the sauce (without the cornstarch slurry) the day before; add the slurry just before serving. Leftover chicken keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Avoid overcooking the chicken on the grill—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without drying out. If you like extra heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.

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