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Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, coconut milk, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection. Infused with tropical flavors, this dish pairs beautifully with coconut rice and a sprinkling of green onions for a perfect summer meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 12 people
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (large)
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing marinade
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grill or indoor grill pan

Ingredients
  

  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • cup brown sugar
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ bunch of green onions

Instructions
 

  • Trim any visible fat from the chicken thighs and set them aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, chopped onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, and coconut milk until well combined.
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated.
  • Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse.
  • When ready to cook, preheat your grill or indoor grill pan to low heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill each side for 5–7 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
  • Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of warm coconut rice, garnish with sliced green onions, and drizzle with additional soy sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Low heat grilling helps prevent the sugars in the marinade from burning and ensures a tender, evenly cooked chicken.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and absorb more flavor than breasts.