Experience the tropical flavors of the islands with Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken marinated in a delightful blend of teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, and spices. The sweet and savory notes make it a family favorite and a perfect go-to for busy nights when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 800mg
Why Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a burst of flavor that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table. Packed with protein and bursting with natural sweetness from the pineapple, this recipe is also versatile. You can transform it with different spices or sides to suit your family’s preferences. The delicious combination of marinated chicken and grilled pineapple will surely become a staple in your household.
How to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken Step by Step
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
Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture well to ensure even blending. Place your chicken pieces in a dish or a zip bag, pour the marinade over the top, seal it up, and chill for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
Next, heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade but keep the leftovers aside for basting while grilling. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the extra marinade occasionally. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the grill.
While the chicken cooks, toss the pineapple rings onto the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are nicely charred and fragrant. Once done, set the grilled chicken on a plate, top it with the grilled pineapple, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
How to Serve Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken pairs beautifully with coconut rice or a refreshing green salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a hearty meal. A drizzle of additional teriyaki sauce adds a nice touch if you enjoy extra flavor!
How to Store Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
To store leftovers, place any uneaten Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a sealed container for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Cooking Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
- Always discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken to prevent contamination.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor more than just a few hours.
- For even more flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a touch of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Experiment with different cuts of chicken, like wings or drumsticks, for variation.
Delicious Variations of Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
You can personalize Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken by making it spicy with chili flakes or hot sauce. For a herbed twist, add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated in the same sauce.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe will transport you to the tropics with every bite. Try it today and enjoy the yummy taste of Hawaii in your home!
Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- 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
Chicken and Toppings
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into circles
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Chopped green onions For garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture well.
- Place chicken pieces in a dish or zip bag, pour the marinade over them, seal, and chill for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
Grilling
- Heat your grill to medium-high.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, retaining the leftovers for basting while grilling.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, brushing with extra marinade occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Grill the pineapple rings for about 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely charred.
- Set grilled chicken on a plate, top with grilled pineapple, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
