Chef Mitchell preparing Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered this recipe while visiting Hawaii, where the vibrant flavors captivated my palate. After returning home, I spent months perfecting the balance of sweet and savory in the glaze. Now, this Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken is a staple at my gatherings, bringing a taste of paradise to every plate."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in culinary arts, specializing in Hawaiian cuisine. With numerous published recipes and a passion for cooking, he aims to share the joy of island flavors with everyone.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken served on a plate

Why This Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its combination of traditional Hawaiian flavors and simple preparation. The marinade features soy sauce and pineapple juice, which infuse the chicken with a unique sweetness and umami. The grilling process adds a beautiful char, enhancing the overall taste.

Technique plays a crucial role in achieving perfect grilled chicken. By marinating the chicken, we ensure it remains juicy throughout cooking. The glaze applied at the end of grilling caramelizes beautifully, providing a rich flavor profile that is both sweet and savory.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for several hours, or overnight if possible. This not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken when grilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and grill as directed.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari in place of soy sauce. Alternatively, coconut aminos can also be used for a sweet, soy-sauce-like flavor that is soy-free.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.

Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken. Make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a tropical fruit salsa for added flavor and freshness.

Cooked Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and even grill it earlier in the day. Just reheat it on the grill or in the oven before serving.

The best way to reheat grilled chicken is to place it back on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chicken turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking.

Solution: To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and cook until just done. Marinating also helps retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken lacks a crispy exterior, it may be due to insufficient cooking time on the grill.

Solution: Ensure your grill is preheated and don’t overcrowd the grill. Giving each piece enough space allows for better charring.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely. Remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can pose health risks.

Recovery: To fix this, slice the chicken to check doneness and return it to the grill if necessary. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can result from cooking over too high heat.

Prevention: To prevent burning, grill on medium heat and keep an eye on the chicken, flipping it regularly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it’s too salty, serve with a side of plain rice or a salad to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: For blandness, increase seasoning with more marinade or spices to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. These ingredients work together to create a well-rounded flavor that is both sweet and savory. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.

Quality ingredients make all the difference in this dish. Choose fresh chicken and high-quality soy sauce for the best results. Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the overall flavor profile, making your dish truly delicious.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, as they contain more fat than chicken breasts. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to maintain moisture.
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're concerned about salt intake. This will help maintain flavor without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.
  • Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is ideal, but canned juice works well too. It adds a natural sweetness and acidity that enhances the chicken's flavor.
Cooking process for Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Grilling Sweet Glazed Chicken is an art. Start with a well-prepared marinade, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors. Preheating your grill is crucial for that beautiful char.

Achieving perfect results comes from monitoring the cooking closely. Flip the chicken regularly and glaze it during the last few minutes for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Key Technique for Perfect Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken

The key to this recipe is the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to marinate not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result when grilled.

Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    Pack tightly
  • 1/4 cup honey
    Natural sweetener
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
    Grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup soy sauce
    For marinade
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    For garnish
  • 2 green onions
    Chopped for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    For heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

  3. Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

  4. Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  5. Prepare Glaze

    While grilling, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  6. Glaze Chicken

    During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the thickened glaze for added flavor.

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Once cooked, remove chicken from grill and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

  8. Enjoy!

    Serve warm with steamed rice or grilled vegetables.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken to preserve its flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Sweet Glazed Grilled Chicken with a side of jasmine rice, grilled asparagus, or a fresh pineapple salsa for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with different proteins such as tofu or shrimp for a variation of this recipe. You can also add tropical fruits like mango to the marinade for a unique twist.