Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice (100% pure)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or a baking dish.
Step 4: Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade (unless you plan to boil it down into a glaze, see notes). Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill or in the baking dish. If grilling, cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is nicely charred. If baking, bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly caramelized.
Step 5: If desired, while chicken cooks, pour the *unused* marinade (or a fresh batch of half the marinade ingredients) into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened into a glaze.
Step 6: Remove cooked chicken from the grill or oven. Brush with the thickened glaze, if using. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. If making the glaze from used marinade, ensure it boils for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken. Alternatively, reserve a portion of the marinade before adding chicken for a safe glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 4oz cooked)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg