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Hawaiian Turn Turn Chicken

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce with tropical flavors from Hawaii.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
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.