This extra juicy, tender grilled chicken is super easy and incredibly flavorful. The succulent marinade is inspired by the bright, lively flavors of Hawaii. Friends and family love this savory chicken dinner!
Optional: freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the onion, garlic, ginger, pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and Asian sesame oil. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and marinade is well incorporated.
Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry the chicken pieces. Place chicken in a single layer on a cutting board, place a sheet of cling wrap over the chicken, and pound to an even thickness*. Throw out cling wrap. Use a fork to pierce chicken pieces throughout. Lightly sprinkle chicken thighs on both sides with table salt.
Place chicken in bowl of marinade. Toss to completely coat chicken pieces with marinade. Cover and chill overnight, or up to 3 nights total. Be sure to turn chicken pieces over halfway through, if all pieces aren't completely immersed in marinade.
Grease and preheat grill at medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade* and grill just until center is no longer pink, taking care not to over-cook. It may take about 6-8 min per side, but actual cook time varies.Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
If chicken is already even in thickness throughout, there is no need to pound them.
If you'd like to baste chicken with the marinade, bring marinade to a boil and make sure not to double-dip the basting brush if it comes into contact with raw meat; you can pour sauce a little at a time onto the meat, to be safe.
The recommended 6-8 minutes per side of grilling is an estimate. Actual cook time varies, depending on thickness of meat, temperature of meat prior to cooking, and true temperature of grill.
I like to make extra marinade to freeze for future use. Just be sure to place in a freezer proof container and lay cling wrap directly over the marinade to avoid freezer burn. It's an easy way to have a delicious marinade at the ready!