Description
This Easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfectly grilled or sautéed, this dish brings vibrant island flavors to any weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 to 1.3 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Hawaiian Chicken Marinade
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp agave nectar
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp canned pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-size bowl or zip-lock bag, combine ketchup, agave nectar, canned pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, avocado oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat or prepare a grill to medium heat. This will ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place chicken on the skillet or grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the cooked Hawaiian chicken alongside steamed rice, your favorite vegetable side, and optional Healthier Hawaiian Macaroni Salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours but no more than 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming too mushy.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a sweeter marinade, slightly increase the agave or ketchup to taste.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if desired, but cooking times may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Marinating, Grilling or Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, grilled chicken, pineapple chicken, quick dinner, island flavors
