The sweet aroma of Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken wafts through the air, whisking you away to a tropical paradise where the sun kisses your skin and the waves serenade your senses. Imagine succulent chicken marinated in a luscious blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, grilled to perfection with caramelized edges that make your taste buds dance. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you to sandy beaches and hula dances with each tender bite. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
As I recall my first encounter with this delightful dish, it was during a summer cookout where I channeled my inner grill master—complete with an apron that said “Kiss The Cook” (I still don’t know if anyone actually wanted to kiss me). The laughter, the sizzling sounds, and the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients made it more than just dinner; it was a celebration. Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The sweet and savory flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table.
- Versatile enough for grilling but also delicious when baked or stir-fried!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they elevate your teriyaki sauce like nothing else.
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while maintaining that signature umami flavor.
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Honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth and balances the salt in the soy sauce beautifully.
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Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick that brightens up the marinade without overpowering other flavors.
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Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in adding rich, nutty undertones to your chicken.
For Garnishing:
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Sliced Green Onions: These are not just pretty; they add a fresh crunch and bright flavor contrast.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and an extra pop of flavor that brings everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until blended. Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least one hour (or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous).
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken is marinating like royalty in its flavorful bath, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If you’re using charcoal, make sure those coals are glowing hot!
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill Grates
Once preheated, clean your grill grates with a brush to ensure no sticky remnants from last week’s barbecue cling to your beautiful teriyaki chicken. Then lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t toss that marinade yet; we’ll come back to it!). Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for about six to eight minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Those lovely grill marks? Yes please!
Step 5: Glaze Your Chicken
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush some of that reserved marinade onto your chicken for extra flavor and shine. Just remember—never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat unless you boil it first!
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Once grilled perfectly golden brown and juicy inside, transfer your Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken to plates. Drizzle with additional glaze if desired (because who doesn’t want more sauce?) and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Now there you have it—the perfect Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken ready for diving into! Savor every bite as you reminisce about sunny days spent by the beach or backyard barbecues filled with laughter and good company. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This amazing Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve mouthwatering Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken, start by marinating the chicken first. While it absorbs all those delicious flavors, prep your grill or oven. zesty grilled lemon chicken Sear the chicken to lock in moisture before finishing cooking through for perfectly juicy results.
Add Your Touch
Make this Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken your own! Swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Feel free to add pineapple chunks to the marinade or top with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. flavorful BBQ grilled salmon To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken, always allow the meat to rest after grilling; this keeps it juicy.
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s where all the magic happens.
- Finally, use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Sometimes I whip up this dish for friends during summer BBQs, and their smiles are worth every minute spent in the kitchen! It’s become our go-to gathering recipe that always brings everyone together.
FAQs:
What is Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken features juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This dish combines traditional Hawaiian flavors with a classic grilling technique, resulting in tender chicken that is packed with umami. You can serve it with rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh pineapple for a delicious meal. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, creating a perfect balance of flavors that make this dish irresistible. Enjoy it at summer barbecues or family dinners! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
How do I marinate the chicken for Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
To marinate the chicken for Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even coverage of the marinade. This step is essential for achieving that signature teriyaki flavor.
Can I use other proteins for this recipe?
Yes! While Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken uses chicken as its main protein, you can easily substitute other meats or tofu if you prefer. Options include pork chops or beef strips, both of which can absorb the teriyaki flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same sauce. Adjust cooking times accordingly; for example, tofu may require less time on the grill than chicken. This versatility makes it easy to customize based on your dietary preferences!
What should I serve with Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
When serving Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to complement its flavors. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini work well too; their smokiness adds depth to the dish. For added freshness, serve slices of grilled pineapple or a side salad tossed with fruity vinaigrette. colorful grilled veggie skewers These sides enhance your meal while balancing out the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze. You can create a colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes!
Conclusion for Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken:
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings tropical vibes to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling at home or hosting friends, the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki paired with tender chicken will surely impress everyone. tasty grilled shrimp skewers Remember to experiment with different proteins and sides to make this dish your own! Enjoy every juicy bite of this delightful meal!
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a tropical delight that brings the sweet and savory essence of Hawaiian cuisine right to your dinner table. This incredibly juicy dish features chicken breasts marinated in a luscious blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then grilled to perfection with caramelized edges. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners, serve it alongside rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Place chicken in a resealable bag; pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- 2. Preheat Your Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C) and clean the grates.
- 3. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade). Grill each side for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- 4. Glaze: Brush reserved marinade on chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
- 5. Serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos. - Add pineapple chunks to the marinade for a tropical twist.
