Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii straight to your dinner table. This recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a few other key ingredients. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy grilling season.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to try Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken. First, it is incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The marinade is straightforward and uses common ingredients you might already have at home, meaning it’s budget-friendly. The dish is also versatile enough to be enjoyed at family brunches or holiday barbecues. Plus, the unique combination of sweet and savory flavors will be a hit with kids and adults alike! It’s a delicious way to introduce a taste of Hawaii to your meals.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is simple. You start by whisking together the marinade using soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. After marinating the chicken for at least two hours (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor), you grill it to juicy perfection. The grilling process adds a satisfying smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet sauce. This simple approach means you can have a gourmet dish in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 green onions sliced

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. Pour half of the marinade into a small saucepan and set it aside. Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350–375°F) and lightly oil the grates.
5. Remove chicken from the bag or dish, letting excess marinade drip off, and discard the marinade that touched the raw chicken.
6. Grill chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes until well marked, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes.
7. While the chicken cooks, simmer the reserved marinade in the saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
8. Brush the thickened marinade onto both sides of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
9. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and garnishing with sliced green onions.

How to Serve Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken is best served warm, straight from the grill. Pair it with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a true Hawaiian experience, serve with a side of pineapple slices or a fruity coleslaw.

How to Store Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.

Tips to Make Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

• For an even more robust flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
• When grilling, resist the urge to flip the chicken too often. Let it grill on one side for a good amount of time to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
• If you want extra sauce, double the marinade ingredients so you can have some to drizzle over your side dishes!

Variations

Feel free to customize your Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken! You can swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option. You can also add bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the grill for a colorful and flavorful addition to your meal.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.

How spicy is Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add a dash of hot sauce or some chili flakes to the marinade if you want to add some heat.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Marinating for a longer time allows for a deeper flavor infusion.

Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce with tropical flavors from Hawaii.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Grilling, Main Course

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the marinade

• 1/2 cup soy sauce Low sodium soy sauce can be used for less salt.
• 1/2 cup ketchup This adds sweetness and thickness.
• 1 cup pineapple juice Fresh or canned, avoid added sugars.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar Packed for best results.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adds acidity.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil For a nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger Fresh ginger root preferred.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.

For the chicken

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on For best flavor and moisture.

For garnishing

• 2 green onions sliced Adds freshness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. Pour half of the marinade into a small saucepan and set it aside. Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Grilling

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350–375°F) and lightly oil the grates.
2. Remove chicken from the bag or dish, letting excess marinade drip off, and discard the marinade that touched the raw chicken.
3. Grill the chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes until well marked, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes.
4. Simmer the reserved marinade in the saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Brush the thickened marinade onto both sides of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
6. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and garnishing with sliced green onions.

Notes

For more robust flavor, marinate overnight. If extra sauce is desired, double the marinade ingredients.