Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce with the tropical essence of Hawaii. This delectable dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a summer luau or simply craving a taste of the islands, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken promises to transport your taste buds to paradise. We will explore the origins, ingredients, and preparation techniques of this beloved Hawaiian delicacy, allowing you to recreate this irresistible dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What Is Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a traditional Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat, fish, or vegetables after marinating them in a sweet and savory sauce. The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words: “teri,” meaning luster or shine, and “yaki,” meaning to grill or broil.
The teriyaki sauce used in this cooking method typically consists of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), sugar, and ginger. This rich and flavorful sauce adds a unique taste to the dish while also imparting a glossy finish to the grilled ingredients.
The roots of teriyaki can be traced back to the 17th century when Japanese people started using soy sauce as a marinade for meats. Over time, they incorporated other ingredients like mirin and sugar into the mix to create the distinct teriyaki flavor we know today.
Teriyaki is incredibly versatile and can be made with various proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, salmon, shrimp, or tofu. It is often served over steamed rice with some stir-fried vegetables on the side. The combination of tender grilled meat coated in sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce makes it an absolute favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the key aspects that sets teriyaki apart from other cooking methods is its emphasis on simplicity. The marinade typically requires just a handful of ingredients but manages to deliver incredible depth of flavor. Marinating teriyaki chicken for several hours is key to the extra flavor.
Additionally, since it involves grilling or broiling rather than frying in oil, it can be considered a healthier option compared to other methods of cooking.
For this teriyaki chicken recipe we will focus on teriyaki flavors from Hawaii and how they combine with chicken to make a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Equipment Used To Make This Recipe
The simplicity of this Hawaiian chicken recipe is that it is easy to make, and uses a small amount of items in the recipe. The result is an easy cleanup which always makes me happy. Here are a few of the items that I used to make this teriyaki chicken recipe along with the Amazon links of where to locate them.
Ingredients For Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 Chicken Breasts cubed
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Ketchup
- 1/3 Cup Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Garnish For Top Of Hawaiian Chicken
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Diced Green Onions
How To Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Take the 4 chicken breasts and cut them into 1 inch cubes and then set aside,
l I will measure out all of the ingredients and place them into a large mixing bowl and whisk them all together. Set aside a 1/3 cup portion to be used to baste the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Carefully add the cubed chicken to the marinade and stir it covering the chicken completely with the marinade. Set the container with the chicken in marinade into the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinade from 4-24 hours. Marinating teriyaki chicken for up to 24 hours allows all of the flavors to seep into the chicken depositing that sweet teriyaki flavor.
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. On a cookie sheet place a layer of aluminum foil.
Remove the marinated teriyaki chicken from the oven and place it in a single layer onto the cookie sheet. Place the chicken into the oven and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the teriyaki chicken from the oven and turn it over. Place it back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the teriyaki chicken from the oven and baste it with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle on the sesame seeds over the top of it. Place the chicken back into the oven for 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and test with a digital meat thermometer to ensure that it is done.
Serve over a bed of white rice and sprinkle with the green onions. Add your favorite side dish and enjoy!
The Secret To Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
The combination of sweet and savory flavors in teriyaki chicken makes it an absolute favorite among food enthusiasts. However, achieving the perfect balance of flavors and tenderness can be a challenge. We present three essential tips that will help you master the art of creating mouthwatering teriyaki chicken every time.
Tip 1: Marinating Teriyaki Chicken is Key
The first and perhaps most crucial step in preparing teriyaki chicken is marinating the meat properly. Marinating teriyaki chicken not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps tenderize it. To achieve a perfect marinated chicken allow it to marinate for several hours. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if possible try to plan ahead long enough to let it marinate for 4-24 hours. This is to allow all those wonderful flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
Tip 2: Control Cooking Temperature
To ensure your teriyaki chicken turns out perfectly cooked with crispy edges and juicy interiors, it’s important to control your cooking temperature accurately. Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 400 degrees Fairenheight.
Tip 3: Baste Regularly
While grilling or baking Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken, remember to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade occasionally. This not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meat moist throughout the cooking process.
What To Serve With Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken on its own is absolutely delicious. But What if you are looking to feed a crowd and want to serve up a feast? So you may be wondering what are some good side dishes for Hawaiian Chicken.
To elevate your dining experience, we present a selection of delectable side dishes that perfectly complement the flavors of Hawaiian chicken. From refreshing salads to mouthwatering starches, these ideas will help you create an unforgettable meal.
- Tropical Fruit Salad:
Pair your Hawaiian chicken with a vibrant tropical fruit salad bursting with color and freshness. Combine juicy pineapple chunks, mango slices, papaya cubes, and kiwi wedges for a truly exotic mix. Add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or toasted coconut flakes for added flair. - Coconut Rice:
Enhance the tropical essence by preparing fragrant coconut rice as a side dish for your Hawaiian teriyaki chicken. Simply cook jasmine or basmati rice in coconut milk instead of water for an irresistible creamy texture and rich flavor. Top it off with chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness. - Grilled Pineapple Spears:
Grilled pineapple spears are the perfect accompaniment to Hawaiian chicken as they add sweetness and smoky caramelized goodness to every bite. Brush pineapple spears lightly with brown sugar glaze before grilling them until slightly charred—this combination will harmonize beautifully with the savory flavors of the chicken. - Macaroni Salad:
A quintessential side dish in traditional Hawaiian cuisine is macaroni salad—a creamy blend of al dente pasta shells tossed with mayonnaise, diced onions and celery, and for an added kick a small amount of red wine vinegar.
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts cubed
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Ketchup
- 1/3 Cup Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Garnish For Top Of Hawaiian Chicken
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Diced Green Onions
Instructions
- Take the 4 chicken breasts and cut them into 1 inch cubes and then set aside,
- l I will measure out all of the ingredients and place them into a large mixing bowl and whisk them all together. Set aside a 1/3 cup portion to be used to baste the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking.Carefully add the cubed chicken to the marinade and stir it covering the chicken completely with the marinade.Set the container with the chicken in marinade into the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinade from 4-24 hours.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.On a cookie sheet place a layer of aluminum foil.Remove the chicken from the oven and place it in a single layer onto the cookie sheet.Place the chicken into the oven and cook for 10 minutes.Remove the chicken from the oven and turn it over. Place it back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes.Remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle on the sesame seeds over the top of it.Place the chicken back into the oven for 5 minutes.Remove the chicken from the oven and test with a digital meat thermometer to ensure that it is done.Serve over a bed of white rice and sprinkle with the green onions.Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
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