A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite Recipe
Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is truly A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite. If you’ve ever longed for the perfect blend of salty, smoky, and caramelized flavors all in one dreamy bite, this dish will sweep you away to the shores of Hawaii without ever leaving your kitchen! It’s a plateful of aloha: succulent chicken that’s marinated until every piece is bursting with umami, kissed by the grill, then briefly steamed in teriyaki sauce until each mouthful is impossibly tender. This is the kind of recipe your friends and family will beg you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how just a few simple, everyday ingredients come together to craft unforgettable flavor. Each one has a big part to play—from spice and sweetness to rich color and irresistible aroma, you truly can’t skip a thing!
- Chicken thighs: These are ultra-juicy and perfect for grilling; the dark meat stays tender and soaks up every bit of that sweet-savory marinade.
- Soy sauce: The heart of our teriyaki—use a good-quality soy sauce for bold, briny depth and an unmistakably island-style flavor.
- Water: Thins out the marinade so the flavors soak in gently, ensuring the chicken isn’t too salty.
- Sugar: Don’t skimp here! This is essential for that signature glossy finish and caramelized sear on the grill.
- Garlic: Adds punchy savoriness; mashed cloves infuse every bite.
- Ginger root: Just a couple thin slices bring bright, peppery warmth to round out the marinade perfectly.
How to Make A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Every great A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite starts with a marinade that draws you in with its aroma alone. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, and sugar until the sugar has fully dissolved. Toss in the mashed garlic and those fresh slices of ginger. Your kitchen will already start to smell like something special!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place all your chicken thighs into the marinade, making sure every piece is perfectly coated. It’s worth taking a few extra seconds here—every nook and cranny should be marinated! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or use a large resealable bag to keep everything sealed and flavorful. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, and if you can wait, up to three days. Trust me, the longer it soaks, the deeper that comforting teriyaki flavor will be.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill hot and ready! High heat is key for this recipe. That blistering temperature helps caramelize the sugars and gives your chicken those classic, irresistible char marks that everyone loves in A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Gently lift the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting the extra liquid drip away (no soggy grilling here!). Place them right onto your grill grates and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for golden, sticky edges and a little smokiness. Most importantly, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) so every piece is safely cooked and succulent.
Step 5: Prepare the Teriyaki Pot
While the chicken finishes grilling, grab a small pot or grill-safe pan and pour in a bit of fresh teriyaki sauce—don’t use the marinade, as it’s had raw chicken in it. This simple extra step guarantees your finished dish will be extra juicy and glossy.
Step 6: Steam the Chicken
Transfer the grilled chicken thighs into the pot of teriyaki sauce, cover it up, and place it back on the grill over medium heat. Let everything steam together for about 10 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up even more sauce, staying mouthwateringly tender and deeply infused with A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite flavor.
Step 7: Serve the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the steamy pot, slice into bite-sized pieces if you’d like, and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter. Now comes the fun part—finish your masterpiece with heaps of chopped green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Serve with fluffy steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or vibrant grilled veggies!
How to Serve A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite
Garnishes
A striking serving is all in the details! Give your platter some island flair by scattering finely chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top. For a pop of color, add a few thinly sliced red chilies or even a handful of pineapple chunks for extra sweetness. These little touches make your A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite shine at any gathering.
Side Dishes
Rice is a classic companion—sticky rice or jasmine rice are especially dreamy here. To balance out the rich, caramelized flavors, add a simple green salad dressed with a citrusy vinaigrette. Grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, or even lightly pickled cucumbers will all make your plate sing, turning dinner into a real island feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the chicken and thread it onto skewers for easy sharing, or lay it across a platter lined with banana leaves for authentic island vibes. Stack the chicken in slider buns with slaw for a modern twist. However you serve it, you’ll be known for your take on A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days and makes the best next-day lunch or midnight snack.
Freezing
A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite freezes beautifully! Place cooled, sliced chicken in a freezer-friendly zip bag or container, remove excess air, and stash it in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze portions with a little extra sauce to help keep everything moist.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in the microwave, covered, or quickly toss in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra teriyaki sauce. Avoid overcooking—just heat until warmed through so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to stay juicier, chicken breasts will also work well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly on the grill. Slice breasts into smaller pieces for quicker, more even grilling.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For maximum flavor, a full 24 hours is ideal—but even a few hours will give you delicious results. If you have extra time, letting it marinate up to three days really deepens the sweet and savory notes that make this an island favorite.
Can I make this dish without a grill?
Definitely! You can use a hot grill pan on the stove or even broil the chicken in your oven. The key is high, direct heat to achieve that lovely caramelized exterior, just like the grilled version.
What’s the best way to serve A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite for a crowd?
Go buffet-style! Grill a double batch, slice it up, and let guests build their own plates with rice, salad, and sides. You can also prepare skewers or sliders for easy party snacking—this recipe is all about sharing and celebration!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make your A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite gluten-free, simply swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Always double-check your ingredient labels to keep the recipe safe for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort, island flair, and pure satisfaction, you can’t go wrong with A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite. This Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken is as fun to make as it is to eat, and it brings a wave of aloha to every table! Give it a try—you’ll be creating (and craving) memories with every bite.
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A Sweet and Savory Island Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a taste of the Hawaiian islands with this delicious Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, grilled to perfection, and finished with a flavorful teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 cloves garlic (mashed)
- 1 ginger root (2–3 thin slices, cut lengthwise)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the mashed garlic and thinly sliced ginger to the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Cover with plastic wrap or use a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Teriyaki Pot: In a pot or grill-safe pan, add a small amount of fresh teriyaki sauce. This will be used for steaming the chicken after grilling.
- Steam the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to the pot with teriyaki sauce. Cover and place on the grill over medium heat. Steam the chicken in the sauce for 10 minutes to ensure it remains tender, moist, and flavorful.
- Serve the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and slice into bite-sized pieces if desired. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Pair with steamed rice, a green salad, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Steaming
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
