This Hawaiian chicken is marinated in a rich, flavorful sweet and savory sauce that tenderizes the chicken then grilled to perfection. Imagine being in Hawaii with this summertime favorite!

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

This is a definite recipe that you need to grill up this summer! It was my first recipe that I have used with coconut milk. The smell of it reminded me of my time in Hawaii and it made me miss it. I had to make this recipe with my rodizio grilled pineapple. Everything turned out awesome and the flavor of the chicken was great! My family loved it and even the pickiest eater ate the whole thing!

Bring Hawaii to your grill with this sweet and savory chicken. Marinate this chicken ahead of time and see how tender and juicy this chicken is grilled. With the sweet flavors from brown sugar, coconut milk to a savory sesame oil and soy sauce mixture, this marinade is all things Hawaiian. Grilled chicken is easy to make and comes together in minutes. Get ready to serve up a tender chicken with loads of flavor!

Hawaiian Chicken Marinade:

Each ingredient is mixed together to make the most delicious marinade. Place the marinade in a ziplock bag and add in the chicken then lay in the refrigerator overnight. This marinade is actually really good on pork chops, shrimp and some types of fish, like salmon. This tried and true favorite will become a summertime fave with how simple it is to make!

• Chicken: I used chicken breast for this recipe but chicken thighs will also work.
• Soy Sauce: This is a great base and soaks into the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet flavor to the chicken.
• Green and White Onions: Chopped and adds a hint of spice.
• Garlic: Fresh is best but using a jar of minced garlic will work too.
• Sesame Oil: Along with soy sauce this will give it that Hawaiian feel.
• Coconut Milk: Smells and tastes like Hawaii!

How to Grill Chicken:

The best part about this chicken is that it keeps the amazing Hawaiian marinade flavor throughout the grilling process. This chicken is as tender and moist as it gets and will be a recipe that you grill up every year!

Try This Next Za’atar Chicken

1. Marinade: Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, onions, garlic, sesame oil, and coconut milk in a large bowl. Place chicken breasts in marinade. Let chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken on a low heat so that the marinade does not burn for 5-7 minutes per side or until done. If you do not have a grill you can use a indoor grill pan.
3. Serve: Serve over rice, garnish with green onions and top with a little extra soy sauce.

The Recipe Critic Pro Tip:

Before grilling clean you grill off then use a brush to grease the grill racks to avoid the chicken from sticking.

Grilling Chicken:

Depending on the size and thickness of each chicken will be different to grill. On average it is best to grill on low heat to avoid the chicken from burning. Only try to move the chicken on the grill once with a flip to avoid the chicken sticking or falling apart on the grill. It is best to use a meat thermometer when grilling. The average internal chicken temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Chicken Breast: Take about 5 to 7 minutes to cook on each side depending on the thickness of each chicken piece.
• Chicken Thighs: Trim the fat from a boneless, skinless chicken thigh and grill for about 6 to 8 minutes per side.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken:

To go along with the Hawaiian theme I like to add rice and grilled pineapple to this meal when serving. Fruit, salad or even a vegetable is always delicious to make a complete meal with. 

Grilling Tips:

When ready to grill, prepare your grill by turning it on and cleaning it with a brush. Once the heat reaches about 350 degrees internally then add your chicken onto the clean grates.

• Preparing Chicken: If your chicken breasts are really thick, pound them to thin them out.  It will reduce cooking time and help it to cook more evenly.
• Chicken: Boneless breasts (or thighs) make the best grilling chicken since they are lean and quick to make.
• Cleaning the Grill: Make sure your grill is clean before you begin and rub some oil on the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Grilling Chicken: You are aiming for a medium, indirect heat while grilling so that the outside of the chicken does not burn while you get the inside up to temperature. Cooking the chicken on a lower setting will keep the chicken from burning as well as keeping the skin on.
• Close Lid: Keep the grill closed while cooking. This will keep the heat in and allow the chicken to cook quicker and more evenly.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes:

Source link

Za’atar Chicken

Seasoned with a traditional Middle Eastern Za’atar spice blend and grilled, this Za’atar chicken is juicy and packed with unique flavors. In just 20 minutes you’ll have a flavorful and filling dinner that no one will forget!

If you have never heard of Za’atar seasoning, you are not alone! I just heard of it recently, and now I’m hooked! It’s a great savory blend of warm and earthy seasonings that will really wow your taste buds. You can also make the spice at home! If you like homemade spices, you’ll have to try this Homemade Fajita Seasoning, this better than store bought Italian Seasoning, and this Taco Seasoning too!

Grilled Za’atar Chicken

So at this point you may be wondering what is Za’atar seasoning? It is a blend of savory, nutty, and earthy spices that usually includes oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sumac. There are different blends of Za’atar seasoning based on where you are eating it. Kind of like curry the ingredients can change based on the area it’s made in. I have a link to the Za’atar seasoning blend in the recipe box below too if you want to make it, or you can pick it up from the store.

Grilled Za’atar Chicken is quickly marinated in the Za’atar seasoning and olive oil and grilled to perfection. I really think you are going to love this dish! It’s an easy 20 minute dinner that would go great with some pita bread and hummus. I also love with baba ganoush which goes great with this Za’atar seasoning. You can actually sprinkle some on top and the flavor is incredible. I think this will be a new family favorite!

Ingredients

These simple ingredients combine to make the most delicious and moist chicken. This Za’atar chicken is so unique, and amazingly flavorful! If you are looking for a great easy dinner, then this is the recipe for you! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you get a breast that is really thick, then you’ll want to flatten it out a bit so that it will all cook evenly on the grill.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a must for this recipe. It’s a great quality oil that helps the flavors in the seasonings really pop.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is just what this recipe needs to bring out all of these gorgeous flavors!
• Za’atar Seasoning: I love making this blend at home! It is really herby and nutty, and perfect on meat. I add sesame seeds, coriander, and salt to my blend and I think it’s fantastic!
• Garlic: Minced garlic is one of my favorite things to eat on chicken. It’s so full of flavor and makes every bite the perfect one!

Za’atar Chicken Recipe

This recipe is so easy! I love how quickly it comes together and it really is so delicious. I ate it with some tomatoes and pita bread and it was perfection. Some of my kids added salt and pepper, but I thought it was perfect the way it was. You can make it however you like, and I know you are going to love it!

Popular Recipe Grilled Fish with Lemon and Capers

1. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar seasoning, and garlic.
2. Put in Bag: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag then pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Refrigerate: Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
4. Grill: Grill chicken breasts on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
5. Enjoy: Let the chicken rest before slicing and enjoying!

Tips for Grilling Chicken

Here are a few simple ways to make yourself the master of the grill! Once your friends and family get a bite of your grilled Za’atar chicken, they’ll be hooked. It’s hard not to be when they’re so juicy and flavorful.

• Use a Thermometer: This step is super important so that your chicken doesn’t dry out on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken. You can take them off the grill when the temperature inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cook them any more than that, they may dry out.
• Let Rest: The key to juicy grilled Za’atar chicken is letting it rest for a minute or two after you pull it off the grill. This allows all of the tasty juices to reabsorb, giving you chicken breast that will melt in your mouth! If you cut into them too soon after grilling, those juices may be released instead of absorbing back into the meat.
• Dripping: If you have seasoning and oil dripping off of your chicken, it will make the flames touch the meat and that’s where the black burned part comes from. If you don’t want crispy crunchy parts on your chicken, make sure that your seasoning is all over your chicken, but not dripping off.

Storing Leftovers

Who doesn’t wan’t grilled Za’atar chicken for leftovers? This recipe makes enough to serve eight people, so if you need to save your leftovers here is how.

In the Refrigerator: Store your cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

More Chicken Recipes

I love a simple chicken dinner! But sometimes chicken can taste boring when you are always making it the same way. Here are some recipes that will give you great ideas to keep your chicken tasting unique and juicy!

Source link