Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

September: National Chicken Month

Islander and her college roommate, Monica C., from Taiwan used to cook together when the cafeteria was closed during the university holidays. With limited resources in the dorm kitchen, they could only make simple meals. Baked teriyaki chicken was their “go-to dish” as it was delicious to eat with the plain white rice that was cooked in their shared steamer—and it was easy to prepare for inexperienced chefs!

Several years have passed since graduation but Islander still bakes teriyaki chicken when she is lazy or tired but hungry for something substantial (and nostalgic). The source of the recipe is not known but it reminds Islander of her college cooking days with her roommate with whom she still keeps in touch.

 For National Chicken Month, make mealtime memorable with baked teriyaki chicken.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6-8 chicken thighs
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, crushed
  • sesame seeds
  • green onion, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

In a foil-lined pan, arrange the chicken thighs. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, corn starch, sugar, garlic, black pepper, soy suace, vinegar and ginger. Whisk until mixed well. Stir over medium high heat until thickened.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Pour the sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, reserving some of the sauce to serve with the chicken. Garnish with green onions.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Notes

  • When Islander and Monica C. did not have access to a stove top (like when other dorm residents were using it), they improvised and just microwaved the teriyaki sauce ingredients until thickened (about 3-5 minutes) then poured it over the chicken before baking.
  • Search our blog for other chicken recipes.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

May: National Barbecue Month

Although we live in Texas and appreciate eating the smoky, saucy Southwestern-style barbecue ribs and briskets, Islander is understandably partial to the teriyaki-types of meats that her Daddy cooks for the ‘ohana (family). Hawaiian barbecue chicken is marinated with a soy sauce mix that is sweetened with sugar (Daddy also stirs in pineapple juice) and seasoned with ginger and garlic, then it is grilled over hot coals or on a hibachi.  Hawaiian barbecue chicken and also beef and seafood are so popular as a plate lunch item in local diners and drive-ins that many of these island-inspired restaurants, especially on the mainland, have “barbecue” or “grill” in its name.  For National Barbecue Month, we have changed our blog name to HI BBQ posted Daddy’s special marinade recipe for Hawaiian barbecue chicken. Aloha!

Recipe

(Adapted from Daddy)

  • 2-3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • ½ cup soy sauce (we used Aloha Shoyu grand, low sodium)
  • 1 small (8 ounces) can of pineapple rings (we used Dole brand)
  • ½ cup sugar (we used C&H brand, granulated white)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons oil (we used Oils of Aloha brand macadamia nut oil)
  • 1-2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds

Directions

In a large container with a lid, make the marinade by mixing the soy sauce with the juice from the canned pineapple. Sprinkle in the sugar. Mix in the garlic, ginger and oil.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Soak the chicken in the marinade. Top with the pineapple rings. Scatter the green onions and sesame seeds over everything. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Barbecue over hot coals or grill the chicken, basting frequently with the marinade. Garnish with grilled pineapple rings or green onions (optional).

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Notes

  • Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) to Daddy for his ‘ono (delicious) marinade recipe and to Auntie Maria B. for the macadamia nut oil.
  • Plate lunches in Hawaii include a meat or seafood entrée, scoops of rice and a side of macaroni salad.