Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Glazed Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Grilled Glazed Chicken recipe during a trip to Hawaii, where I fell in love with the vibrant flavors of the local cuisine. After many attempts at perfecting the glaze and marinade, I finally created a version that my family adores. It's now a staple at our dinner table, bringing a taste of the islands to our home."

I specialize in Hawaiian cuisine, having spent years studying the unique flavors and cooking techniques of the islands. My passion for dinner recipes stems from a desire to create meals that bring families together. I believe cooking should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone.

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

Why This Grilled Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because of its balance of sweetness and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with delicious tropical flavors. Grilling adds a smoky char, enhancing the dish's appeal.

The technique of marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken. Additionally, glazing the chicken during the last minutes of grilling ensures a sticky, caramelized finish that’s irresistible.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, always use fresh ingredients, especially for the marinade. Letting the chicken marinate longer will deepen the flavors. If you have a thermometer, use it to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to grill. This will enhance the flavor. However, it’s best to grill the chicken the same day for optimal freshness.

If you need a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as they have similar sweetness levels. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change.

The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced.

Yes, grilled chicken can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Grilled Glazed Chicken pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a tropical fruit salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Grilled Glazed Chicken can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just ensure it's cooled down before storing.

While the chicken is best fresh off the grill, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. This will save you time on the day of grilling.

To reheat Grilled Glazed Chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the chicken.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Grilled Glazed Chicken turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking or not enough marinating.

Solution: To prevent dryness, always use a meat thermometer to check doneness and marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken skin isn't crispy, it may not have been cooked at a high enough temperature or for long enough.

Solution: Ensure your grill is preheated adequately, and consider finishing the chicken over direct heat for a few minutes to crisp it up.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature closely, and remove the chicken from the grill once it hits 165°F.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked in the center, it may pose food safety risks.

Recovery: To recover, return the chicken to the grill and cook until the proper temperature is reached, checking frequently with a thermometer.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the grill is too hot or if it was left on the grill too long.

Prevention: To avoid this, manage your grill temperature and watch the cooking time closely. You can also move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to burn.

✅

Flavor Balance

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

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serve the chicken with a side of unsalted rice or bread to absorb some saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, a sprinkle of salt or a dash of soy sauce can enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Glazed Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Glazed Chicken

The key ingredients for Grilled Glazed Chicken are simple yet flavorful. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice creates a unique marinade that tenderizes the chicken while imparting a sweet and savory profile.

Using high-quality chicken and fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture. Opt for organic chicken if possible, and fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the dish even more.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for more flavor and moisture. You can also use chicken breasts but be cautious about cooking times to avoid drying them out.
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor. It allows you to enjoy the savory notes without feeling overwhelmed by salt.
  • Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice will yield a sweeter and more vibrant flavor than canned juice. If possible, blend fresh pineapple chunks for a truly authentic taste.
Cooking process for Grilled Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Grilling is a straightforward process that can yield incredible results when done correctly. Start by preparing your marinade, then let the chicken soak in those flavors for maximum taste.

Once grilled, the key is to monitor the cooking time and temperature. Achieving that perfect char while keeping the chicken juicy is the ultimate goal.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Glazed Chicken

Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat. Additionally, glazing it during the final moments of cooking caramelizes the sugars, creating a delightful crust that locks in moisture.

Grilled Glazed 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
    Packed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
    For extra flavor
  • 1/4 cup honey
    For sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
    For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
    For extra flavor
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 lime, juiced
    For brightness

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and black pepper to create the marinade.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Place the chicken pieces in a zip-lock bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

  3. Preheat Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

  4. Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and grill marks appear.

  5. Glaze Chicken

    In the last few minutes of grilling, brush some of the reserved marinade on the chicken to glaze it.

  6. Grill Pineapple

    Grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

  7. Check for Doneness

    Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  8. Serve

    Remove chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro alongside grilled pineapple.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Grilled Glazed Chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Glazed Chicken with coconut rice or a fresh tropical salad. Grilled pineapple slices make a delightful side, adding sweetness that complements the savory chicken.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with different fruits in the glaze, such as mango or passion fruit, to add your unique twist. Additionally, try using different cuts of chicken like thighs or drumsticks for varied textures.