If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, you are absolutely going to love this Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts kissed by the grill’s smoky touch, then drenched in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce bursting with ginger, garlic, and a hint of pineapple sweetness. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that delights every time, making it a new favorite for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that iconic teriyaki flavor and perfectly balanced spice. From the savory depth of soy sauce to the zingy brightness of fresh ginger, every element builds texture, color, and taste in the final dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat perfect for grilling.
- 1 cup soy sauce: Adds salty umami richness, forming the base of the marinade.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1/4 cup honey: Enhances sweetness and gives the sauce a sticky, glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Delivers a fresh, spicy kick that brightens every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and rich mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to spark your taste buds.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Introduces fruity sweetness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to mix with cornstarch to activate the thickening process.
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp bite and pop of color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
Begin by combining your soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and pineapple juice in a mixing bowl. Whisk it all until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients meld together into a vibrant, glossy marinade that smells irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour in half of the marinade, reserving the rest for later. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you can plan ahead, marinating overnight will boost that flavor and tenderness to another level—this small wait pays off big!
Step 3: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for achieving those gorgeous char marks and locking in the juiciness. Lightly oil the grates before placing the chicken on them to keep everything from sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade to keep things safe. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll want an appetizing golden-brown exterior with a juicy interior.
Step 5: Thicken the Reserved Marinade
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens into a glossy, luscious glaze. Remove from heat once thickened.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate, then lavishly drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over each piece. Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add fresh crunch and visual appeal. Your Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is ready to savor!
How to Serve Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable. Thinly sliced green onions offer a fresh, peppery note, while toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that pairs so well with the chicken’s bold glaze.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside fluffy jasmine rice or steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas, which soak up the spectacular sauce. For a light contrast, try a crisp Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. These sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive experience or slice the chicken thinly and add to a vibrant noodle bowl for a hearty lunch. You could even skewer the chicken before grilling for easy-to-eat kebabs at your next barbecue party. The options are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to label it so you remember this delicious treat is waiting for you.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To restore some of that fresh-grilled texture, briefly broil the chicken with a light brush of extra teriyaki sauce before serving. This brings back the magical caramelized flavor like it’s just off the grill.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. They’re even more flavorful and stay juicy on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, orange juice or apple juice make great alternatives. They provide similar sweetness and acidity to tenderize the chicken and complement the teriyaki flavors.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the flakes. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with sriracha on the side.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and reserved sauce in advance, but keep them separate until you’re ready to marinate and cook the chicken. The thickened teriyaki sauce is best used fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
What’s the best grill to use for this recipe?
A gas grill works perfectly for consistent heat, but a charcoal grill adds amazing smoky flavor if you have time to get the coals going. Either way, preheat to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking and create those gorgeous grill marks.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that never fails to impress. Its rich layers of flavor, easy preparation, and irresistible glaze make it a staple to keep in your meal rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again to savor every juicy, tender bite. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest teriyaki experiences ever!
Print
Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 2h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and coated with a luscious homemade teriyaki glaze. The marinade combines savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar and honey, tangy pineapple juice, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes for a flavorful dish perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Teriyaki Marinade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Thickening Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and pineapple juice until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared teriyaki marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for later use. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the used marinade that was in contact with raw chicken for food safety.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Simmer Reserved Marinade: While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat to prepare for thickening.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering marinade, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped green onion and sesame seeds on top for garnish before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor but a minimum of 2 hours works well.
- Ensure the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing.
- Discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid contamination.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
