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+ servings

California-Style Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy, caramelized chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-savory pineapple teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection for a taste of the islands.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, dinner, Grilling, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

Marinade and Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey preferably local California honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Chicken and Garnish
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
  • 4 slices fresh pineapple optional, for grilling

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 red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass 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 grilling: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred.
  2. For skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick 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 it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Serve
  1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and grilled pineapple slices if desired. Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 980mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet. You can prep the marinade up to 3 days ahead. Don't skip the cornstarch slurry—it gives the sauce that perfect clingy texture. If you like extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of grilled pineapple for a true Hawaiian plate lunch vibe. Avoid overcooking the chicken on the grill; thighs stay juiciest when pulled at 165°F.

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