Summary
When you want a departure from basic barbecued chicken, grab this easy and flavorful recipe. Start by marinating the chicken in brown sugar, soy sauce, sake, and garlic. When you’re about ready to grill, whisk together a basting sauce that uses the same ingredients as the marinade plus some pineapple juice and vinegar; let it simmer on the stove until thick and glossy. Add a side of soy-sauce-dressed, grilled corn on the cob and an edamame and wild rice salad for an Asian-inspired summer meal.
Special equipment: You’ll need a pastry brush or barbecue basting brush for this recipe.
Game plan: The chicken can be placed in the marinade and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead of time.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry
- 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup naturally sweetened pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup sake or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
To grill and serve:
- Vegetable oil, for rubbing the grill grates
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish