Why Make This Recipe
Hawaiian Turned Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to make but also combines the sweet taste of pineapple with savory grilled chicken. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a simple family dinner. You might find it a hit with kids and adults alike due to its juicy flavors and fun presentation.
How to Make Hawaiian Turned Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
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Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine sesame oil, grated ginger, chopped garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and teriyaki sauce. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it up or cover, and chill for at least 2 hours. If you have time, leaving it overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
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Prepare the Grill: Get your grill nice and hot, set to medium-high heat.
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Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, but keep the leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the extra marinade now and then. Make sure to take it off the grill once it reaches 165°F inside.
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Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are charred and smell sweet.
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Serve: Lay out your grilled chicken, pop the grilled pineapple on top, and sprinkle over chopped green onions and sesame seeds to your liking.
How to Serve Hawaiian Turned Chicken
Hawaiian Turned Chicken is best served hot off the grill. You can serve it on a plate alongside grilled vegetables or over a bed of rice. Adding a fresh salad or some coleslaw can also complement the dish nicely. Enjoy the colorful presentation and the delicious tropical taste!
How to Store Hawaiian Turned Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the grill.
Tips to Make Hawaiian Turned Chicken
- Make sure to remove any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken to avoid contamination.
- Experiment with different types of chickens, such as thighs or breasts, to find your favorite.
- Serve the chicken with extra pineapple on the side for more sweetness.
Variation
You can try using different marinades or adding spices like cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating and grilling.
2. What can I serve with Hawaiian Turned Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better!
Hawaiian Turned Chicken
A delightful dish bringing tropical flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen, combining sweet pineapple and savory grilled chicken, perfect for barbecues or family dinners.
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sesame oil, grated ginger, chopped garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and teriyaki sauce. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
- Place the chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it up or cover, and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is recommended).
- Get your grill nice and hot, set to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, but keep the leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the extra marinade, until it reaches 165°F inside.
- Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until charred and fragrant.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with grilled pineapple, sprinkled with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Best served immediately off the grill. Pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg