Bring a taste of the tropics straight to your backyard with this sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken.
Marinated to tender perfection, grilled with juicy pineapple rings, and served alongside a rich caramel-like dipping sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any summer barbecue or weeknight family dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Pineapple: 6 fresh or canned pineapple rings
- Butter: 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing on the pineapple)
Marinade and Baste
- Teriyaki Sauce: 2 cups total (divide into 1 1/2 cups for marinating and 1/2 cup for brushing during grilling)
Dipping Sauce
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- Soy Sauce: 3/4 cup soy sauce (opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
- Pineapple Juice: 3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- Worcestershire Sauce: 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinating the Chicken
- Lay the chicken breast halves flat in a shallow baking dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Seal or cover the dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to lock in maximum flavor and moisture.
2. Preheating the Grill
- Clean your outdoor grill grates thoroughly and preheat the grill for high heat.
- Lightly coat the hot grates with oil to prevent the chicken and pineapple from sticking.
3. Grilling the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the dish and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade for food safety.
- Place the chicken breasts onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 8 minutes on the first side, then flip.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, generously brush the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
- Lay one pineapple ring directly on top of each chicken breast near the end of the cooking time, and brush the rings generously with melted butter. Cook until the chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Preparing the Dipping Sauce
- While the chicken is grilling, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture frequently until the brown sugar completely dissolves and the sauce comes to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to serve warm alongside the grilled chicken for dipping.
Chef’s Tips for Success
Even Thickness
If your chicken breasts vary greatly in thickness, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly on the grill.
Sodium Control
The traditional dipping sauce uses standard soy sauce, which yields a rich, savory depth. If you are watching your salt intake, substitute low-sodium soy sauce.
Pineapple Options
While canned pineapple rings work wonderfully, using fresh pineapple rings adds a vibrant tartness that caramelizes beautifully under the heat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 548 | — |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 53% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 5831mg | 254% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 63g | 23% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 56g | — |
| Protein | 33g | 65% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 92mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 706mg | 15% |
Note: Nutritional values are calculated based on the full recipe ingredients, including the total marinade and dipping sauce amounts. Actual consumption may vary depending on how much sauce and marinade are absorbed or consumed.
