When it comes to comfort food that brings back memories of warm tropical breezes and the relaxed vibe of island life, Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is at the top of the list. This dish, with its sweet and savory flavors, perfectly captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. My first encounter with this delightful chicken was during a family vacation to Hawaii, where the local eateries would serve it with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the rich teriyaki sauce was a taste sensation that left a lasting impression. Now, every time I prepare this dish, it transports me back to those carefree days on the islands.
Ingredients
3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup of soy sauce
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
5 cloves of garlic, mashed
1 ginger root (2-3 slices, cut thin and lengthwise)
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
Mix the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of soy sauce and 1 cup of water. Stir in 1 cup of sugar until it is fully dissolved. This mixture forms the base of your teriyaki marinade, balancing the salty soy sauce with the sweetness of the sugar.
Add Aromatics:
Peel and mash 5 cloves of garlic. Add them to the soy sauce mixture. Peel a ginger root and cut 2-3 thin slices lengthwise, adding them to the bowl as well. These aromatics infuse the marinade with their distinct flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the marinade. Ensure that the chicken is fully submerged and well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. For the best results, you can marinate it for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Note: If you’re pressed for time and cannot wait for the full marination period, you can proceed to boil the chicken in the sauce right after preparing the marinade. This method will still impart a good amount of flavor to the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to high heat. Grilling the chicken on high heat helps to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Prepare the Teriyaki Pot:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare a pot or a deep grill-safe pan. Pour a small amount of fresh teriyaki sauce into the pot. This will be used to steam the chicken after grilling, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
Steam the Chicken:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, transfer it to the prepared pot with the teriyaki sauce. Cover the pot and place it on the grill over medium heat. Let the chicken steam in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This step helps to further infuse the chicken with the teriyaki flavors and keeps it moist.
Serving the Chicken
Plate and Garnish:
Remove the chicken from the pot and slice it into bite-sized pieces if desired. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Serve:
Serve the Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken with a side of steamed rice and a fresh green salad or your favorite vegetables. The combination of the savory, sweet, and aromatic chicken with simple sides makes for a balanced and delicious meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: While chicken thighs are traditionally used for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute them with chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the marination and cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Sweeteners: If you prefer a different type of sweetness, you can replace the sugar with honey, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like agave syrup. Each sweetener will impart a slightly different flavor to the marinade.
Additional Flavors: For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also experiment with adding pineapple juice for a tropical twist, which adds sweetness and a tangy flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is a dish that beautifully marries simplicity with incredible flavor. The process of marinating the chicken allows the savory soy sauce, sweet sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a rich and satisfying taste. Grilling the chicken adds a delightful char and smokiness, while the final steaming step ensures it remains tender and juicy.
This recipe is appealing not only because of its delicious outcome but also because of its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving a taste of the islands, this Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy.
The memories of enjoying this dish on a warm Hawaiian evening, surrounded by loved ones, make it all the more special. Every bite is a reminder of the beautiful, laid-back spirit of Hawaii, and sharing it with others brings a piece of that paradise into your home. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming meal that will transport you to the tropics with every mouthful.
HAWAIIAN STYLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 cloves garlic mashed
- 2-3 slices ginger root thin and lengthwise
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add 5 mashed garlic cloves and 2-3 slices of thin, lengthwise ginger root.
- Submerge 3 pounds of chicken thighs in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours, or up to 3 days.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- In a pot or deep grill-safe pan, add a small amount of fresh teriyaki sauce.
- Place grilled chicken in the pot, cover, and steam on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Slice the chicken, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve with steamed rice and a fresh salad.
