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Homemade Molokai Chicken
Antonio Morelli

Molokai Chicken Recipe

Juicy Hawaiian-style grilled chicken marinated in pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Inspired by island flavors from Molokai, this sweet-savory chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQ parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating time 8 hours
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Healthy Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American Island Style, BBQ Restaurant Style, Copycat Restaurant Recipe, Hawaiian-Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 700 g chicken thighs (boneless)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)
  • Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Tongs
  • Baking tray (optional)
  • Saucepan for glaze
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. Make Marinade – Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil.
  2. Marinate Chicken – Add chicken, coat well, refrigerate 4–8 hours.
  3. Cook Chicken – Grill or bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. Make Glaze – Boil leftover marinade until thick. Brush on chicken.
  5. Rest Chicken – Let it rest 5 minutes to keep juices inside.
  6. Garnish, Serve and Enjoy!

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
  • Don’t cook on very high heat—sugar burns fast.
  • Overnight marination gives the best flavor.
  • Add chili flakes if you like spicy chicken.
  • Leftovers taste amazing in wraps or rice bowls.
Chef Tip: A little butter in the glaze makes the chicken shiny and restaurant-style!